Archive for February, 2024

Job locations and work areas are environments where productivity and safety often intersect. Despite strict regulations and safety protocols, workplace injuries remain a significant concern across all types of industries. That being the case, gaining an understanding of the most common workplace injuries, their causes, impacts, and prevention strategies is crucial for ensuring a safe and healthy work environment for all workers in Lancaster and throughout Pennsylvania. Our Lancaster job accident lawyer discusses the top 10 most prevalent workplace injuries and provides insight into the underlying factors and effective preventive measures.

1. Strains and Sprains

Strains and sprains constitute a significant portion of workplace injuries, often resulting from overexertion, lifting heavy objects, or repetitive motions. These injuries primarily affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments, leading to discomfort, reduced mobility, and decreased productivity. Implementing various ergonomic practices, providing proper training on lifting techniques, and encouraging regular breaks can mitigate the risk of strains and sprains.

2. Falls

Falls are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries, encompassing slips, trips, and falls from heights. Additionally, wet or slippery surfaces, cluttered walkways, and inadequate fall protection systems contribute to fall-related accidents. Employers can minimize these risks by maintaining clean and dry floors, installing handrails and guardrails, and regularly inspecting work areas to identify potential hazards.

3. Cuts and Lacerations

Sharp objects, machinery, and tools pose a constant threat of cuts and lacerations in the workplace. Our Lancaster job accident lawyer has found throughout the years of handling workers’ compensation cases that inadequate training, improper use of equipment, and lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) increase the likelihood of these injuries. Implementing safety protocols, providing appropriate PPE, and ensuring employees receive comprehensive training on equipment usage and handling can help keep everyone safe in an effort to avoid cuts and lacerations.

4. Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)

Repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis, arise from repetitive motions or prolonged exposure to awkward postures. Office workers, assembly line workers, and individuals engaged in manual tasks are particularly susceptible to RSIs. Employers can address this issue by implementing ergonomic workstation designs, promoting rotation of tasks, and conducting ergonomic assessments to identify and address risk factors.

5. Struck by Objects

Depending on the industry, some workers face the risk of being struck by objects, including falling tools, flying debris, or moving machinery parts. Why? Failure to use proper protective gear, inadequate signage, and lack of spatial awareness contribute to these incidents. Employers should enforce strict safety protocols, provide appropriate PPE, and implement barriers or guardrails to prevent workers from being struck by objects. If you work in an environment that lacks such protections, we encourage you to speak with a Lancaster job accident lawyer as soon as possible to learn more about your legal rights and options if you’ve been involved in an on-the-job accident.

6. Electrical Accidents

Electrical accidents pose a significant risk in industries where workers come into contact with live wires, faulty equipment, or inadequate wiring systems. Lack of proper training, failure to de-energize equipment before maintenance, and inadequate lockout/tagout procedures increase the likelihood of electrical injuries. Employers must prioritize electrical safety by providing comprehensive training, conducting regular inspections, and ensuring compliance with electrical codes and standards.

7. Burns

Burn injuries can occur due to exposure to hot surfaces, chemicals, or flames in the workplace. Improper handling of hot liquids, malfunctioning equipment, and inadequate ventilation systems contribute to burn incidents. Employers need to have strict safety protocols in place for handling hazardous materials, provide appropriate PPE, and conduct regular maintenance checks to prevent burn injuries.

8. Falls from Heights

Workers in construction, maintenance, and other industries involving elevated workspaces face the risk of falls from heights. Failure to use fall protection equipment, unstable working surfaces, and lack of proper training exacerbate the risk of such accidents. Employers must prioritize fall prevention measures, such as providing fall protection systems, conducting regular safety training, and ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations.

9. Exposure to Harmful Substances

Workers may be exposed to harmful substances, including chemicals, fumes, and biological agents, which can cause respiratory problems, skin irritations, or long-term health issues. Inadequate ventilation, improper storage of hazardous materials, and lack of proper PPE contribute to exposure-related injuries. Employers and worksite supervisors alike should have strict safety protocols in place for handling and storing hazardous substances and provide appropriate PPE as well as conduct regular monitoring to prevent exposure incidents.

10. Caught in or Between Objects

Workers risk being caught in or between objects, such as machinery, vehicles, or collapsing structures, leading to crushing injuries or amputations. Inadequate machine guarding, improper lockout/tagout procedures, and lack of training on equipment operation increase the likelihood of these accidents. Employers should prioritize machine safety by installing proper guards, providing comprehensive training on equipment usage, and enforcing strict lockout/tagout procedures.

Hurt on the Job? Help is Available. Speak to a Lancaster Job Accident Lawyer Today.

Workplace injuries significantly threaten employee safety, productivity, and overall good health. By understanding the most common types of workplace injuries and implementing proactive prevention strategies, employers can create a safer work environment and reduce the incidence of accidents. Prioritizing employee training, implementing safety protocols, and fostering a culture of safety awareness are essential steps toward mitigating workplace injuries and promoting a culture of health and well-being in the workplace. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact a Lancaster job accident lawyer at our office for immediate assistance. We’re here to help.