Workplace injuries are not uncommon, and they can be devastating for victims. Not only do work injury victims have to worry about medical expenses, but they often have to worry about lost income if they are unable to perform their job duties. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were approximately 2.8 million non-fatal workplace injuries or illnesses during the latest reporting year across the country. Tragically, a total of 5,250 workers died from a work-related injury that year. Here, we want to discuss some of the most common workplace accidents that occur in Georgia and how to prevent them.
Common Workplace Accidents in Georgia
Workplace injuries take many forms, but there are some accidents that happen more often than others in Georgia. Here, we want to take a brief look at the most 5 common workplace accidents in the state.
- The most common fatal workplace accidents in Georgia revolve around transportation incidents. This includes workplace vehicle accidents, commercial truck accidents, pedestrians struck by vehicles in work zones, aircraft incidents, and train crashes.
- Violence by people or animals. These incidents include violence committed by either coworkers or non-coworker individuals, including intentional injuries such as shootings or stabbings. Animal incidents usually occur in the agricultural industry.
- Falls, slips, and trips. Across the country, slip and fall incidents are the primary cause of lost days of work. These incidents are usually preventable, and can include falls on the same level, falls to a lower level, and falls through an opening.
- Contact with objects and equipment. Many workers in Georgia operate around heavier equipment, and this can lead to catastrophic injuries if a person is struck or gets caught in between objects. This type of injury is common in the construction industry and for factory workers.
- There are many jobs in Georgia that require workers to lift heavy materials on a continual basis. All too often, overexertion injuries occur and can significantly impact a person’s musculoskeletal structure.
How to Prevent a Work Accident
Injury prevention is key in the workplace and can save employees and employers from unnecessary expenses and immeasurable pain and suffering. The best ways to prevent workplace injuries include:
- Ensuring that all employees are properly trained. Training will vary depending on what type of industry a person works in, but every employer is responsible for ensuring that their workers understand how to do their jobs safely.
- Ensuring all employees have the proper equipment. This is incredibly important for hazardous industries, but even those in less risky jobs need to have the proper equipment. An ergonomic keyboard is just as important for preventing injuries as a hard hat is in the construction industry.
- Preventing falls. Because fall injuries are so prevalent, it is vital that employers take steps to ensure that all walkways are properly maintained. For those who work at higher levels, employees should have proper restraint equipment.
Complexities in a Workers Compensation Claim That a Lawyer Can Help With
Work injuries often lead to complicated workers’ compensation claims. It is not uncommon for employers or insurance carriers to deny a claim. If this happens to you or somebody you love, an attorney can help. A skilled Newnan workers’ compensation lawyer will have the resources necessary to conduct a complete investigation into the incident, prove the facts of the case, and negotiate with every party to ensure their client receives maximum compensation.