Workplace environments, such as construction sites, can be incredibly dangerous. Most of us go to work every day without even thinking about the possibility of being hurt. But for a lot of people, they face this kind of risk on a regular basis. A dangerous workplace such as construction sites are prone to these common causes of injuries. They’re in constant danger of suffering a severe burn, or possibly even being fatally injured in a catastrophic fall. To make matters even worse, negligence on the part of an employer can increase the chances of something terrible happening.
The following is a look at some of the most common reasons that workplace injuries occur. If you’ve been hurt on the job due to someone else’s carelessness, please get in touch with the McEwen Law Firm as soon as you can. Schedule a free consultation by contacting us online or giving us a call at (800) 732-3070.
1. Overexertion
A muscle strain due to lifting something too heavy might not sound like a severe injury. But it can make it almost impossible to work for several days – if not weeks. It not only results in a great deal of pain. It could also lead to an even worse injury if someone tries to “push through it”.
The most common reason overexertion injuries happen is because of poor lifting technique. This may possibly be due to an employer failing to provide proper training on how to safely perform physical tasks. It can also happen because employees don’t receive breaks.
2. Caught Between Objects or Equipment
Anyone working around heavy machinery, such as near farm equipment, construction equipment, or someone who works in a factory is at a risk for being caught in that machinery. If a body part becomes stuck in a machine, the consequences could be horrible. Potential injuries include severed fingers, crushed limbs and others. In many instances, these types of injuries could have been avoided if an employer had taken the necessary precautions to safeguard all machines.
3. Falls to Lower Level
When a worker tries to climb up a ladder carrying too much equipment, they could easily fall to a lower surface. This often results in them suffering a horrible injury in the process. Employees can fall from a scaffold that wasn’t properly secured, potentially being killed as a result. Employers can be found at fault for these kinds of accidents due to not providing fall protection gear, or other types of protective equipment.
4. Struck by Object
Just about everyone has accidentally bumped into a wall, or been hit by some sort of falling object. It might hurt for a couple of minutes, but that’s about it. When someone is working in a high-risk injury, however, this kind of accident can have far worse consequences. They can be struck by falling tools or other materials. Or they could bump into a wall and be knocked off some sort of high surface.
5. Slip and Falls
Lots of workplace environments are notorious for having wet or oily surfaces, or floors with obstacles that can be very difficult to navigate. As noted earlier, workers on ladders are always at a risk for a fall as well. There are some instances where an employee will fall and bounce back up immediately, because they don’t want anyone to think they’ve been seriously hurt. They’ll just keep working as if nothing happened.
But even a seemingly minor fall could do serious damage to someone’s back or even head. If there’s even the slightest chance that this has happened, a worker should seek medical treatment as soon as possible to make sure they’re actually okay.
6. Exposure to Electricity
Any sort of electrical burn can be devastating. This can happen because a worker comes into contact with an exposed wire. Or because they’re electrocuted due to a faulty product. An electrical burn injury can have a lasting impact on a victim, making it impossible to continue to work. Too many employers fail to make sure their workers are aware of all safety precautions, or they don’t put the necessary safeguards in place to keep accidents from happening.
If this is the case, then an injured worker may be able to take action against their employer. Or some other party who contributed to the accident due to negligence. Electrical burn injuries can require years of incredibly painful treatment, and the cost of that treatment can reach into the tens of thousands of dollars – if not more. Taking legal action may be the only way an injured employee will be able to obtain full compensation for their medical bills and other financial losses.
7. Explosions
For many workers in volatile environments, the risk of an explosion is simply a fact of everyday life. Explosions can do severe damage to tissues and other parts of the body. In most cases, an explosion will lead to a huge fire that can result in the need for years of excruciating medical treatment.
8. Repetitive Motion
A repetitive stress injury can result from lifting heavy objects time after time without using the proper technique. Workers who try to lift objects that weigh more than 50 pounds should always get the help of a fellow employee. Or use some sort of lifting device. If they don’t, they could easily suffer a debilitating injury that could put them out of work for months.
Contact McEwen Law Firm to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation
If you’ve been hurt at work in an accident that wasn’t your fault, there’s a chance that you may be able to file a lawsuit against any negligent parties that contributed to your injury. In order to have the best chance of getting the money you deserve, however, you’re going to need the help of an experienced attorney.
The McEwen Law Firm can provide the expert legal representation it will take for you to obtain the compensation you have coming. We have a long track record of success in cases similar to yours, and we’ll be ready to put our skill and knowledge to work for you. Contact us online or call (800) 732-3070 for a free case review.
