Unfortunately, workplace injuries are quite common, and the most common work injuries in Atlanta can mean lost income, time away from work, and ongoing pain and suffering. The reality is that most workplace injuries are preventable, and most people suffer needlessly due to the negligence of their employers. The most common injuries cost workplaces nearly $171 billion annually, so it pays to hold them accountable when you’re hurt at work.

Slips and Falls

Nearly a third of all workplace injuries are trips, slips, and falls. People who slip and fall at work often suffer from torn ligaments, broken bones, head and neck injuries, and pulled muscles. Slips are often caused by loose rugs, spills, icy pavement, and oily surfaces. When employers fail to deal with snow and ice, clean up grease spills quickly, or replace loose tiles, for example, employees can get seriously injured.

Employees often fall from ladders, scaffolding, and stairwells. They can fall when their employers don’t provide adequate safety gear like harnesses and other security equipment. Falls can result in broken bones, causing a domino effect of loss for the injured employee.

Factory-Related Injuries

People who work with heavy machinery often suffer from injuries when pulled into the equipment or hurt by improperly maintained machines. For example, employees can be hit by tractors, lose fingers, or be hit with debris by machines without proper safety guards. Factory-related injuries tend to be especially severe, with employees reporting blindness, lost limbs, hearing loss, and permanent disability. However, there are standards in place meant to keep workplaces safe, and when employers don’t maintain the equipment or take steps to protect employees, injuries are inevitable.

Vehicle-Related Injuries

Employees who work with vehicles often suffer from workplace injuries that can range from mild to severe. For example, excavators may run over construction workers, sanitation workers can be hurt by trucks backing up, and runaway plows can hit snowplow drivers. Vehicle-related injuries are quite common in Atlanta and can cost the employee more than just lost time from work.

Repetitive Stress Injuries

Jobs that require repetitive tasks can be especially dangerous, and employees can suffer from musculoskeletal injuries and chronic illnesses like carpal tunnel syndrome. These injuries can even permanently prevent a worker from doing his job. When employees are pressured not to take breaks or be penalized for resting, they can suffer from overwork or repetitive stress injuries. Repeated heavy lifting or constant typing can also put a strain on the body and lead to injury. Employers who fail to allow regular breaks or pressure workers to work until injury can be held financially responsible for injuries.

Fires and Explosions

Fires can cause extreme injury or even death, so employers have a duty to prevent fire at all costs. Faulty gas lines, combustible materials, and open flames can create a hazardous situation for everyone in the workplace. In addition, employees who are not properly trained in fire safety can inadvertently start fires and cause explosions that hurt themselves and others.

When employees are hurt in explosions, there are typically three types of injuries. Primary blast injuries affect the skin, ears, lungs, and soft tissues. Secondary blast injuries happen when flying objects strike other people surrounding the blast area. Finally, tertiary blasts are so powerful that they can lift the person off the ground. Fires and explosions can also cause permanent, long-lasting injuries and even death.

When employers fail to provide adequate training, safety equipment, and supplies to keep employees safe, workplace accidents are predictable. If you have been injured at work, consult John Foy & Associates to discuss your rights. In addition, personal injury attorneys and workers’ comp law firms have handled many personal injury cases over the years and will treat yours with the dignity and respect it deserves.

If the employers are at fault for workplace injuries, they should be held accountable. You might be entitled to compensation for lost time from work, medical bills, and related expenses if your employer’s negligence caused your injury.

Author:

Samantha Alvord is a legal expert and a passionate writer who works tirelessly to inform people about the field of personal injury, her area of specialty. She has a talent for making complex legal concepts accessible to the public. It is Samantha’s goal to present a clear and structured piece to the reader, which can easily be used as a guide to solving legal matters.