Going to work on a daily basis is a responsibility for most working-age adults in Kentucky. For those that go to work and are careful in the workplace, most days are relatively uneventful. However, there are situations in which someone can be injured while they are at work. There are several causes of work injuries in particular that are most common.
Slip and Fall Injuries
A slip and fall accident continues to be one of the most common ways that someone is injured in the workplace. If there is water, debris, or other items on the floor, it can create a less stable and secure environment until it is properly cleaned up. Unfortunately, if you are surprised and do incur a slip and fall injury, your body will react in a way that can lead to landing hard on your body. This could cause some serious injuries if you land on your head or back. A slip and fall can be even more problematic if you slip down a flight of stairs or fall to another level.
Strain and Injuries Due to Overexertion
Another common way that people are hurt when they are at work is due to overexertion. Anyone that works in a job that requires moving heavy objects could be faced with tasks in which some object is too heavy to move. If you do try moving an object that is too heavy, it can put a lot of strain on the back, legs, and knees. This could cause some significant injuries that can take a long time to recover from. It also increases the chances that an object could be dropped, which comes with additional safety hazards.
Faulty Equipment or Wrong Use
Anyone that works with heavy machinery and other equipment will take on the risk of injury on a daily basis. While all companies have requirements to have this equipment safety-checked and repaired regularly, there are still situations in which the machinery can fail. If this happens, it could cause injuries to someone when it is in use.
Additionally, equipment and machinery in the workplace can also cause accidents if someone does not use them properly. Due to this, all people should be properly trained and certified to use any equipment that is necessary to complete the function of their job. Misuse of certain types of equipment could cause serious injuries that can make it difficult to perform the functions of the job going forward.
Accidents on the Roadway While Working
Today, there are millions of people that drive a vehicle on a daily basis as part of their job. Similar to when you are going to be driving a car for personal reasons, there is always a chance that you could get involved in some type of accident. If you are involved in an accident when on the road during work, it could cause damage to the vehicle and personal injuries. As long as you are using the vehicle as part of your normal job function, it will be considered a workplace injury even if you are away from your place of business.
Being Hit by an Object at Work
Large and heavy objects that move through the workplace will always pose some injury risk. If you work in an environment where this is common and to be expected, there are likely safety protocols put in place that can prevent someone from being hurt in these situations. However, there is still a chance that you could be struck by an object, which could then lead to concussions, broken bones, and other serious injuries.
Strain or Injury Due to Repetitive Motion
Depending on the types of work that is done, you could end up completing the same physical task over and over throughout the day. This repetitive emotion can start to cause strain on your joints and muscles, which can lead to serious injury and discomfort. In most cases, a repetitive stress injury can be taken care of through rest and some minor therapy, but there are situations in which you could need a further procedure.
Negligence Leading to Injury
While most people will aim to do their best at work and make good decisions, negligence can happen and it could lead to workplace injuries. Examples of negligence can include coming to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol, using equipment the wrong way, or simply not being safe when you are completing tasks required of the job. Someone in the workplace could get injured due to the negligence of their own or of someone else’s. The significance of injuries due to negligence can vary considerably.
Bodily Injury
While it is far less common, bodily injury can occur in the workplace. If there is an altercation that leads to physical violence, an injury could happen. In these cases, there are often criminal charges brought against the assailant as well. However, as long as the incident took place at work, it can be considered a workplace injury.
Being injured while you are at work can happen even if you are careful, diligent, and follow proper protocols. If you are injured while at work, you could incur medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages, and other expenses. Due to this, ensuring that you have an attorney by your side when filing a worker’s compensation claim or other actions is important. An experienced Kentucky work injury lawyer can offer you a lot of services that will help ensure you are properly represented and compensated for any losses incurred. The team with Billy Johnson Law is a great group to contact for a consultation and to learn more about the services that they can provide.
