Jobsite injuries are common and can happen to anyone. No matter how cautious you are while performing duties, you cannot control the actions of others or random accidents. If you find yourself injured at work, it is important to report the incident immediately.
Slips and Falls
If you work in a construction environment or an area with a lot of clutter, you become more susceptible to slips and falls. Puddles of water and icy slabs pose risks to employees, but you could also trip and fall over misplaced objects. It is extremely important to stay aware of your surroundings. Be watchful for uncovered holes that have no caution signs, and when performing duties on ladders or roofs, you should wear proper harnessing when possible and be mindful of your step.
Pulled Muscles and Strained Joints and Ligaments
If your job requires you to do a lot of heavy lifting, you are more at risk for pulled muscles and strained joints or ligaments. These types of injuries are not as obvious when they occur. Therefore, it is extremely important to notify your boss or supervisor of your injury as soon as you notice it, and insist that they fill out an incident report.
Vehicle Accidents
Many jobs require employees to travel regularly or transport patients or equipment from site to site. This puts them at higher risk of vehicle related accidents. Keep in mind, however, that if you are an independent contractor instead of an employee, you are not eligible for compensation. If you are an employee who is not under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or other substances, your employer will have to pay for damages in the event of a vehicle accident while you are on the job. This is true even if you are the party at fault.
Heavy Equipment Accidents
Heavy equipment, such as forklifts and backhoes, can be dangerous. No matter how careful you may be, you can still become the victim of a workplace accident involving heavy equipment. These incidents could be the fault of other employees’ carelessness or even machinery malfunctions.
Exposure to Harmful Chemicals/Substances
Breathing in harmful chemicals and substances is another common worksite injury. One of the most well-known of these being exposure to asbestos. These hidden dangers go undetected in many worksites, causing damage later down the road.
Regardless of the reason, when you are injured on the job, you should contact a work site accident attorney after filing an incident report with your boss or supervisor. They can help make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Although many jobsite injuries can be avoided with proper safety gear and warning signs, they happen every day. In these events, it is important to report any and all injuries, no matter how small, to your boss or supervisor.