Few people go to work and expect to sustain a serious injury. However, many workplace accidents result in injuries so severe that you will no longer be able to work. Remaining aware about the facts related to workplace accidents and how you can prevent them may help you remain safe.
What counts as a workplace accident?
Workplace accidents refer to an unexpected event that leads to physical or mental injury while you are working. While many of these may occur at your specific place of work, some off-site accidents can correctly be labeled work accidents. All three of these criteria must be met in or der for it to be a workplace accident:
- The accident must take place during your employment period.
- The accident must occur while you were fulfilling your work duties or something vitally related to your duties.
- You must have your accident at a place that you needed to be in order to fulfill your work duties.
What are the most common causes of workplace injuries?
Some workplace injuries are ones you can help to prevent. Others may occur due to the actions of your employers or co-workers. Common causes of workplace accidents include:
- Fatigue and overworking
- Lifting
- Slips, trips and falls
- Stress
- Motorized vehicles
- Compression equipment
What responsibilities do employers have to prevent workplace accidents and injuries?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported more than 2.7 million workplace injuries and more than 4,000 workplace deaths in 2020. Your employer can help reduce these injuries by taking the following steps:
- Provide safety training
- Hiring enough qualified workers
- Keep workspaces clear
- Provide fall protection
Workplace accidents may affect your life
No matter what precautions you may take at work, accidents may still happen. In some cases, these accidents may restrict your ability to work or cause long-term disabilities. Workers’ compensation is designed to help you following severe accidents, but the process can be complex.
