Thousands of employees suffer injuries on the job every year. It is unfortunate that some industries are more dangerous than others, and their employees risk bodily harm every day. After seeking the necessary medical attention you should get into contact with an experienced Savannah, GA workers’ compensation lawyer for legal counsel and possible representation if you or someone you love is injured while at work.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets guidelines for employers to ensure employers furnish employees with workplaces free from hazards and clear dangers. OSHA also provides prevention and education programs to help reduce the number of workplace injuries each year.
In the state of Georgia, the most common causes of workplace injuries are:
- Transportation incidents like auto accidents account for 40% of all workplace injuries in the state.
- Violence and other injuries caused by people or animals like dog bite injuries and assault and battery account for 22% of workplace injuries in the state.
- Slips and falls accidents account for 20% of injuries.
- 15% of workplace injuries in the state are from objects striking employees.
Common sense, good judgment, and consistent workplace safety regulations can prevent some injuries. A few additional tips for preventing workplace injuries include:
- Avoid shortcuts. If there is an acceptable method for performing a task, it’s important to stick to that method and not skip any steps for the sake of timeliness. If there is an approved way of doing things, chances are the method was developed with safety in mind. If you notice a glaring issue with an approved method for performing your work, notify your supervisors of your concerns and address the issue.
- Travel safely. Some work necessitates travel. It’s important to exercise care when operating a vehicle for work and follow all traffic laws as you would at any other time. This means make sure you are not driving while distracted, driving while drowsy, or driving while intoxicated even if you are behind schedule or trying to multitask while driving at work.
- Mind the weather. Weather can have serious implications for industries such as construction; always be mindful of what the weather means for your daily work and take appropriate measures to prevent accidents.
- Use the right safety equipment. Eye protection may be mildly uncomfortable, but the alternative is risking serious injury to your eyes and impairing your vision, possibly permanently. Always use required safety equipment during your work and be sure to repair or replace any damaged equipment as soon as possible. Hard hats can prevent injuries from falling objects, and work shoes can help prevent slips and falls.
- Keep things tidy. Clutter can build quickly throughout the course of a workday’s events, so take the time to clean up and minimize the risk of someone tripping over debris or clutter. Keeping an orderly workplace helps reduce the chance of fire hazards and other dangers that clutter may hide.
What You Need to Know About Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation benefits exist to help injured employees weather the costs of medical bills and lost wages from time spent out of work. While workers’ compensation provides some financial relief, it may not cover all the expenses that result from a workplace injury. Remember that if you file a workers’ compensation claim, it is illegal for your employer to take any negative actions against you for doing so. This is retaliation.
In some cases, an injury may result from an employer’s or other employee’s careless actions. In such situations, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the responsible parties. Employers must ensure their workplaces are free from obvious hazards, and must address any known safety issues in a timely manner. Failing to do so can result in employee injuries.
Navigating workers’ compensation disputes and personal injury claims for a workplace injury is often complicated and stressful. Get in touch with a Savannah injury lawyer at Roden + Love, LLC if you want a reliable and experienced attorney in your corner to help navigate your case. Contact us for a free case evaluation and we’ll review the details of your situation with you, and let you know what your options are.