The workplace can be a hazardous place, and this is especially true for industrial workers. When a work environment isn’t safe, the health and well-being of the workers are at risk.
When employers fail to protect their workers, catastrophic or fatal injuries result. Thousands of lives are lost in the U.S. each year in industrial accidents.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury on the job, you have rights.
Here’s a guide to the most common causes of industrial accidents.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Industrial Accidents?
An industrial accident is a mishap on the job that causes an injury. This refers to any accident an industrial worker has as they perform their daily work-related duties.
Employers have an obligation to provide a safe work environment for all employees. If an employer breaches their duty of care for workplace safety, the results can be disastrous.
Some common industrial work environments include warehouses, oilfield drilling rigs, mines, construction sites, refineries, poultry plants, and more.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a major cause of workplace accidents. A job that requires manual labor and long hours can be exhausting.
Employees must take adequate breaks to rest and recover. Failing to do so can result in physical issues, including general exhaustion.
If you’re not at your sharpest on an industrial work site, you’re putting yourself and others at risk. Employers must provide breaks and time off for employees to ensure their health and safety.
Lifting
Many workplace injuries are the result of lifting. Lifting an object that’s too heavy can lead to strains, sprains, or muscle tears.
The biggest factors in lifting injuries are cumulative trauma and overexertion. Having to lift materials that are too heavy or lifting at high heights puts you at risk of workplace injury.
Dehydration
Many workers must endure the heat to perform their jobs. Excessive heat can contribute to dehydration, heatstroke, and other heat-related conditions.
Not staying hydrated throughout the day can lead to disastrous consequences. These issues can be avoided with water breaks throughout the day.
Management should stress the value of taking a break and staying hydrated. They must allow employees to take a break, rest, hydrate, and recuperate.
Hazardous Materials
Improper handling of hazardous materials is another common cause of industrial accidents. Not wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) can be a factor in these accidents.
Many industrial accidents can be prevented with proper training, reading worker safety data sheets, and providing the proper protective gear for preventing injuries.
Poor Lighting
Inadequate lighting is a common cause of workplace accidents. Employers often overlook the impact lighting has on workplace safety.
Inadequate lighting and outdated bulbs can make it harder to see. This is especially dangerous for those working with heavy machinery.
Many companies are turning to LED bulbs for their illumination and long life. However, LED light can make it harder to discern color-coding, see objects in shadowy areas, or react quickly to objects in your peripheral view.
Trips and Falls
Thousands of workers are injured in slip or fall accidents each year. Slick or cluttered floors, high-traffic corridors, or improper footwear can cause trips and falls.
Slip and fall accidents can result in serious injury or death and are a common cause of worker’s compensation cases.
Gas or Chemical Explosions
An explosion can occur in industrial settings like oilfields, warehouses, and manufacturing plants. Common causes include explosive substances, faulty equipment, chemical spills, or electrical issues.
One explosion can set off a series of explosions, resulting in serious injury or death. Even careless smoking around hazardous materials can pose a danger to all employees on a job site.
Stress
All jobs have some level of stress, but dangerous jobs can be especially stressful. If you are overworked, working with inadequate safety equipment, or aren’t properly trained for your position, it can be very stressful.
A highly stressed worker is more likely to be fatigued and make mistakes that could result in serious injury to self or others.
Common Industrial Injuries
Industrial accidents can lead to a variety of injuries. The severity of a worker’s injury and its impact on their life, job, and future are all considered when determining fair compensation.
Some common industrial injuries include:
- Strains, sprains, and tears
- Fractures and broken bones
- Cuts, lacerations, and punctures
- Burns and electrocutions
- Eye injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputation
Everyone has the right to go to work and perform their duties in a safe environment. When an employer fails to take the necessary steps to ensure worker safety, they may be liable for injuries in the workplace.
If you’ve been injured on the job, you have rights. Your best recourse is to enlist the help of a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Can I Sue My Employer for a Workplace Injury?
The unique circumstances of your accident and the desired outcome determine whether you should file a personal injury claim. Some factors to consider include:
- Your workers’s compensation policy
- The company’s track record of unsafe practices
- The responsible parties
- The impact of your accident on your future
Find the Best Personal Industrial Accident Attorney For You
If you’ve been hurt in an industrial accident, you may be overwhelmed with your injuries and recovery process. The aftermath of a serious accident can be a challenging and confusing time.
At Talbot, Carmouche & Marcello, we’ve helped protect our clients’ rights and interests for over five decades. We strive to provide every client with expert legal counsel and the best opportunity for a favorable result.
If you need an experienced Louisiana attorney for your industrial accident case, we’d love to talk with you. Don’t wait any longer. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.