The 3 Most Common Workplace Injuries in 2020 and How to Avoid Them
When you’re working, you’re focused on doing your job to the best of your ability. This means you might not always be aware of what’s going on around you. Unfortunately, that lack of awareness can lead to serious workplace injuries that can keep you from being able to do your job for an extended period of time. That doesn’t mean you can’t do anything to prevent those injuries. Here are a few of the most common types of issues workers face and what you need to do to reduce your risk of getting injured at work.
Slips and Falls
Slips and falls are the most common hazard in almost every workplace. Even a minor fall can lead to debilitating injuries that leave you in recovery for months on end. Whenever possible, watch for hazards on the ground as you work. If you notice any spills or tripping hazards, address them as soon as you can. Wear non-slip shoes if you’re working on potentially slick surfaces and report any incidents as soon as they happen. With diligence, you should be able to avoid slips and falls with ease. However, if you end up getting injured, speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
COVID-19 Exposure
The pandemic isn’t showing signs of stopping this fall. That means it’s incredibly likely that you may get exposed to the disease in the course of your work. Your employer should be taking all government-mandated and recommended precautions to keep you and your coworkers healthy. Though the biggest burden of safety is on their shoulders, you still need to take precautions. Wash your hands, wear a mask when you’re indoors and around other people, and consider wearing a face shield to protect you from aerosolized droplets. If your employer isn’t taking the necessary precautions and you get sick, the best thing you can do is speak with a workers’ compensation attorney.
Low Back Strain
Anytime you lift something even slightly heavy, you use the muscles in your low back to hold the weight. If you’re not careful, you risk straining those muscles and getting stuck with serious pain. Whenever possible, take the time to review your posture before you lift. Use your legs rather than your low back to pick the weight up. Team-lift overly heavy loads and don’t hesitate to ask for help. If you get injured in the course of performing your work duties, submit a workers’ compensation claim as soon as you can. If your employer refuses to give you the paperwork you need or isn’t supportive of your claim, contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Workplace Injuries Can Be Avoided
Most workplace injuries are easy to prevent as long as you’re willing to be careful on your shift. However, if you do get injured or are having issues filling out a workers’ compensation claim, don’t hesitate to contact Mark A. Simon Attorney at Law. Our legal team will work on your behalf to get the compensation you deserve so you can recover without worrying about your medical bills.