Most injured workers hurt in same type of accidents on the job

On behalf of Jeffrey Frederick of Frederick & Hagle posted in Workplace Accidents on Tuesday, May 17, 2016.

No workplace is without potential risks to workers. From dangerous construction sites and industrial workplaces to seemingly innocuous office buildings, virtually all employees are put in some manner of harm’s way throughout the work day. The biggest safety risks vary from industry to industry, but the U.S. Department of Labor’s BLS — Bureau of Labor Statistics — has identified some of the most common accidents on the job and the injuries that they can cause.

Falls are one of the most common types of accidents that affect Illinois workers. These accidents are usually the result of improperly maintained equipment, such as ladders or scaffolding, which are commonly used in the construction industry. Workers not engaged in hands-on industrial work are also at risk for serious injuries from falls. Insufficient lighting and lack of railing in stairwells can put any employee who works in a multi-story building in a dangerous position.

Repetitive trauma and overexertion also pose a threat to worker safety. Repeatedly performing the exact same motion again and again can lead to tormenting migraines or torn ligaments, a risk that can be increased when workers are not permitted to take frequent breaks from their workstation. On the other hand, overexertion can be caused by a single instance of physical effort made while moving an item. This can happen when employers fail to adequately staff workplaces.

Whether an Illinois worker is hit by a falling object, injured after slipping or severely hurt by a piece of heavy machinery, most victims face similar burdens. Recovery can be a timely matter, necessitating long periods of time away from work and without a paycheck. Workers’ compensation benefits can ease the burden on victims hurt in accidents on the job by making providing financial support that addresses lost wages and related medical bills.

Source: The Huffington Post, “How to Avoid Workplace Injuries“, Stephanie R. Caudle, May 9, 2016