Workers should be able to do their jobs without fear of sustaining injury or illness. It is vital for employers to keep the workplace safe for everyone. Safety inspires confidence, contentment, loyalty, and productivity among employees. It also prevents friction from developing between the workers and the management. Also important for the business is the amount of money that it can save by avoiding expensive lawsuits. Most states in the US have made workers compensation mandatory. This insurance specially takes care of the medical bills and other needs of workers who got involved in accidents. Below are some workers compensation claims examples:
Slips and Falls
Moisture can make certain surfaces slippery. If people walk on them, then they can slip and fall to their detriment. This often happens along snowy paths and wet floors. Cleaners should always place signs to caution people who are in the vicinity. In factory settings, workers should be given footwear that can prevent slippage. Indeed, the floor materials must be carefully chosen to reduce the risk of accidents if persistent moisture is expected. Any object that serves as an obstacle in common paths must be removed to prevent tripping. The workplace needs adequate lighting so that wet areas and other hazards can be clearly seen.
Overexertion
Everybody has a physical limit. Some have higher limits than others but there is still a ceiling beyond which our bodies start to break. Breakdowns often happen when a person does more that what he is used to. It can also happen due to too much work for a sustained period. Individuals who are engaged in physical labor might have to lift heavy objects, for example, and strain a muscle in the process. They could also experience lower back pain or aching joints. Some of these cases will only require a bit to rest to heal but others are serious enough to merit immediate medical attention.
Struck by an Object
Gravity is an enemy in worksites with multiple levels. Not only can people fall and break their bones, objects may also fall and strike those at the lower levels. Unfortunately, the head is the most vulnerable part of the body in this kind of situation. Workers should therefore be given adequate protective gear such as construction helmets. This kind of accident may also happen to retail and warehouse workers as they try to reach for objects stored on tall shelves. Stable ladders must be provided for these employees. They should also be protected from situations wherein they might strike against a stationary object like a barricade with large warning signs.
Machinery Accidents
Machine operators are vital in many industries including construction, manufacturing, and logistics. They need to be well-trained in operations before handling heavy machines. They should also know how to perform maintenance work to ensure good equipment condition at all times. They must know how to detect warning signs and respond accordingly. Otherwise, the operators or those around them could be in danger. Machines can cause physical mutilation and fatality.