Common Workplace Injuries

Accidents in the workplace happen every day.

The reality is that many workers in Nevada will be injured on the job. Some of these injuries will be minor, while others more severe.

Serious injuries can have a devastating effect on an employee. In some cases, they can be career ending and life changing.

If you have been injured in the workplace, it is important that you understand your rights.

Hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.

Navigating through the legal aspects of a workplace injury can be complex. Richard Harris will protect your rights.

We are here for you and understand what it takes to win these type of claims.

Common Causes of Workplace Injuries

Unfortunately, employees of all types of industries are susceptible to injury in the workplace.

There are a wide variety of factors that can result in these injuries. Working conditions, improper training, and human error can be the cause.

It is important that we understand the common causes in order to try and prevent injuries from occurring in the future.

Employees and employers both play a major role in the safety of the work environment.

Slips, Trips and Falls: These types of accidents account for a large percentage of workplace injuries.

These accidents happen in every industry. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction sites account for almost half of these fatal accidents. There are many reasons for this. Wet or uneven floors, poor lighting, clutter, and loose carpets are just a few of them. It is important that safety is a priority at the workplace.

There are many things that can be done to help prevent accidents from occurring. Proper signs should be placed that warn of the hazardous conditions. This does not always occur. Equipment including ladders, tools, scaffolding, etc. must be properly maintained and in good working condition. Employees should be wearing proper non-slip footwear and keep work spaces clean and clear of obstructions.

Overexertion Injuries: This is the cause of many workplace injuries. A worker puts themselves at risk when they are doing physical labor on a job site. Jobs that demand lifting, pushing, and puling can do serious harm when excessive force is used. Even repetitive jobs that you may think are not physically demanding, can over time do serious damage. In construction, manufacturing, and warehousing industries these injuries are common. Moving heavy products around is dangerous. Health workers that have to constantly lift patients are at high risk.

Muscles and joint injuries are common in overexertion injuries. There are preventative measures that can be taken that can reduce the chance of injuries. Proper lifting techniques and training can be helpful. Taking breaks to rest the body can be beneficial in preventing injury. Hoists, lifts, dolly’s, and other mechanical aids are vital to the reduction of physical strain. This equipment must be available and in proper condition.

Repetitive Strain Injuries

Repeating the same motion over and over again can cause serious damage to employees at the workplace. Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) can hit you when you least expect it. This type of injury is also referred to as musculoskeletal disorder or ergonomic injury. When minor, these injuries can be irritating. When they are more serious, incapacitating.

Muscles that are overworked with a repetitive motion is one of the leading causes of RSI. Poor posture over a long period of time on the job can cause tendon damage. This could be from both sitting or standing for too long without changing positions. These types of injuries can cause chronic pain and cause permanent disability over time. Ergonomic work stations and breaks throughout the job can be helpful in preventing RSI.

Struck by Objects: Falling or flying objects at the workplace can cause serious damage. Workers like construction sites or warehouses are at risk in these type of environments. Objects falling from heights down on an employee can be fatal in some accidents. Falling objects can include tools, construction materials, and products from shelving are some of the most common hazards.

Head injuries and fractures can occur. Hard hats and protective clothing, googles, shoes can be effective in minimizing injuries at the workplace. Job sites must have proper safety protocols in place. No walking zones and signage are essential and helpful preventative measures.

Harmful Substance Exposure: Many employees work with or around hazardous substances at their jobs. There are many different substances that are considered to be dangerous. Employers have an obligation to provide a safe working environment around the different substances. Poisonous chemicals, fumes, dust, and other biological agents can do major harm to workers coming in contact with them.

Cancer and other long term health issues can occur when in contact with harmful substances. Employers must provide the proper protective clothing and equipment to workers. Healthcare, manufacturing, and laboratories are common industries where there are harmful substances. There must also be proper ventilation on the job. Compliance to government regulations is vital to workers’ safety. Cleaning products are used at all workplaces and should not be taken lightly.

Caught-In or Caught-Between Accidents: This type of injury involves being caught in or between equipment and machinery in the workplace. Being crushed or trapped can be deadly. There are many reasons why these injuries can occur. Equipment malfunction or improper training can lead to serious harm. Agriculture and construction sites are some of the most high-risk industries where accidents like this occur. Regular maintenance, training, and safety checks must regularly be performed. The seriousness of these injuries can often lead to life altering consequences.

Vehicle Accidents: Driving is part of many jobs. Vehicle accidents are a risk that employees take when they get in a vehicle at work. Cars, trucks, and big rigs are used to deliver goods and services. Construction workers also use heavy machinery at their jobs. When injuries happen, the results can be catastrophic. Safety training can lower the risk; however, accidents will still happen. Seatbelts and obeying the rules of the road are important to safety. Vehicle maintenance is critical. Brakes, tires, and steering systems need to be in proper working condition in order to minimize the risk of injury.

Workplace Violence: We hear about this far too often. Workplace violence can happen anywhere at any time. This can occur between co-workers or an outside person or party. Police and security officers are at high risk when it comes to this type of situation. Healthcare workers, firefighters, and retail personal are also at risk. Just about any profession with employees, or that deals with the public, can be the victim of workplace violence.

Once again, being trained properly in an emergency situation is important. Being trained in conflict management can be beneficial too. Securing entry points and knowing where the exits are can reduce incidents. Not every situation can be controlled. Creating a safe and supportive work environment can go a long way.

Legal Options and Work Compensation

Many times, workers that are injured on the job are entitled to some sort of compensation. The amount will vary depending on the circumstances and factors of each individual case. If you were injured on the job, you may be eligible to receive payment for expenses. This can include medical costs, lost wages, and rehabilitation expenses. Insurance companies will often try and dispute these claims and make it difficult. There are many benefits to hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer.

Claim Denial: In some cases, a claim may get denied. Employers and insurance companies are known to deny claims. A lawyer can appeal the decision and put evidence together that can show the validity of the claim.
Insufficient Settlement: In many claims, the employer or insurance company will give an inadequate offer. Having an attorney will be vital in the fight for a just compensation. A lawyer will make sure that you are not being taken advantage of.
Retaliation: This is important to protect workers from any retaliatory actions. Employees may try and terminate or demote employees that file claims against them.
Permanent Disability: This can be difficult to obtain. Securing the just and fair compensation in these types of cases will take an experienced and knowledgeable attorney. One that understands workers’ compensation claims and how to win them.
Third Party Liability: Workers’ compensation claims can be complicated. This is even more so if there are third parties involved in the case. There will be additional filings needed in these types of cases.

A workers’ compensation lawyer can provide legal support and professional representation. This will be helpful in securing the benefits that you deserve. A workplace injury can be multifaceted and demanding. Employers will be looking out for their own interests. Employees will be seeking a fair and just outcome. Contact the Law Offices of Richard Harris today for your free evaluation. We can be reached by phone, email, or in person.

Financial and Human Impact of Workplace Injuries

Both employees and employers are both impacted when injury occurs at the workplace.

A workplace must always put safety first.

Employees should know that they are being protected, and their safety is important.

Businesses need to follow safety regulations.

Having the proper training and maintenance is vital.

Employees: The effects of a workplace injury can be both physical and mental. Trauma from the event and financial difficulties can make it hard to recover. Medical expenses, lost wages can take a major toll. The stress of an uncertain future can cause depression. Injuries will need time to recover from. Being left with a permanent disability will be a lifelong burden.

Employers: Losing an employee to injury can have a major effect on a business. Loss of productivity and financial burdens can be devastating. There may be other legal issues involved that employers have to worry about. Insurance premiums will increase due to the costs of workers’ compensation claims. The business may lose their reputation. This can take years to rebuild trust with other employees and customers.

OSHA and Workers’ Safety

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mission is to protect workers. It is a government agency designed to ensure that employees are provided with healthy working conditions. OSHA enforces safety standards and provides training, education, and assistance. Employers are required to comply with these standards. There is a wide range of safety topics that attempt to achieve this. This includes instruction on protective equipment, hazardous communication, machine safety, and many others. Employees that feel unsafe at their job have the right to report their concerns. OSHA protects workers from unlawful retaliation under federal whistleblower laws.

Workplace Injuries

With over 40 years of understanding and experience in workers’ compensation claims, we have seen many kinds of injuries. These are some of the most common types of workplace injuries below.

Back Injuries: Caused by bending over, heavy lifting, and repetitive motion are common in workplace injuries. Muscle strains and severe spinal injury can lead to time off work or permanent disability.
Hand and Wrist: Carpel Tunnel Syndrome is often the result of jobs requiring repetitive motion. This can lead to surgery and rehabilitation. Returning to the same job after injury may be difficult in some cases. Cuts and lacerations to the hands can also result from manual labor jobs.
Leg and Knee: This can be the result of long-term standing or a trip, slip and fall accident. Sprains, strains, and fractures to the legs can be damaging.
Head: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can happen from a blow to the head. If this is severe, long-term damage and care may be needed.
Shoulder: Repetitive motion and heavy lifting can cause injury to the shoulders. Tears, strains, and other types of injuries can cause permanent damage to a worker.

With the implementation of safety techniques, the risk of injury can be minimized. Protective equipment, training and emergency procedures are essential to providing a safer workplace. This is beneficial to both employees and employers. Safety audits should be done to ensure that safety standards are met. An open line of communication between employers and workers is beneficial in identifying potential risks in the workplace.

https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2024/a-look-at-falls-slips-and-trips-in-the-construction-industry.htm (Slips, Trips, and Falls)

https://www.mscdirect.com/betterMRO/safety/repetitive-strain-injuries-workplace-types-causes-and-prevention (Repetitive Motion Injuries)

https://www.osha.gov/aboutosha (OSHA and Workers’ Safety)