Common workplace injuries and your safety on the job
When you go to work, you are probably not planning on suffering an injury while you are on the clock. Even if you work in a field that may be inherently dangerous, you may not think about the many things that could be compromising your health and safety every time you go to work. Workplace injuries happen for many reasons, and it’s in your interests to learn more about what to do if this happens to you.
No matter what type of job you have, you are entitled to a reasonable expectation of safety. This means that you should have access to necessary safety equipment, training and other tools that you need to stay as safe as possible. It may be helpful for you to learn about common safety hazards and things you may want to do in the event of a workplace accident.
Common work-related risk factors
According to the National Safety Council, a worker suffers an injury approximately every seven seconds. This amounts to millions of job-related injuries every year. Even seemingly minor injuries can have a major impact on a worker and require an extensive recovery time. Some of the most common types of work-related injuries include:
- Soreness or pain from repetitive tasks
- Sprains, strains and ligament or muscle tears
- Punctures in the skin, lacerations and cuts
Any of these types of injuries may not seem like a big deal to you, but in reality, they can leave you unable to do your job, cause an infection, require medical treatment and impact you in many other ways. Some of the most commonly cited reasons for these types of workplace injuries and other include:
- Contact with dangerous objects or heavy equipment that can cause harm
- Overexertion from lifting or moving heavy objects
- Slipping on things, including wet floors, or any type of falls
There are certain types of jobs that may be more dangerous than others. Regardless of whether you work in construction or behind a desk, you have the right to seek appropriate compensation through an insurance claim. Workers’ compensation allows you the ability to get the financial support necessary to cover your medical expenses and other needs.
If you need to file a workers’ compensation claim through your South Carolina employer’s insurance policy, you will want to start with a complete assessment of your case. This can help you understand how to maximize your claim and how to complete the necessary paperwork.