The vast majority of workplace accidents in California fall into one of three categories: slips and falls, overexertion, and contact with equipment. Every year, hundreds of workers are forced to take time off after sustaining injuries that may have been preventable. Here’s a look at the most frequent causes of these types of accidents.
What are the most common factors of workplace accidents?
Overexertion is the top cause of workplace injuries, affecting nearly 29 out of every 10,000 workers. Overexertion can involve straining yourself while lifting, pushing, pulling, or moving a heavy object. Back injuries are a common example of overexertion. This can also involve injury because of small, repetitive tasks that are performed every day for months or years at a time. Some people develop long-lasting health conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Slip and fall accidents come next, affecting nearly 24 out of 10,000 full-time workers. Slip and fall accidents are largely self-explanatory. A worker might slip on a slick surface, trip over an object, fall from a tall height, or fall to a lower level. Sometimes, a slip and fall accident can cause a minor injury like a twisted ankle. However, if you fall through multiple levels or fall from a tall height, you could sustain serious injuries.
Contact with objects and equipment round out the list, with these types of injuries affecting nearly 24 out of every 10,000 workers. Contact with equipment can involve being hit by work equipment or being caught between two pieces of equipment. This can also involve parts of your body being crushed, torn, or otherwise injured by work equipment. For example, you could be injured if a structure collapses and you can’t make it out in time.
Overall, these are the most common injuries that employees sustain in the workplace. If you’ve suffered from any of these injuries, you might need to take off work for a while and file for workers’ compensation so you can support yourself while you’re out of work. Your employer should never retaliate against you for filing a claim; if your employer does, consider taking legal action.
Do you need an attorney for a workers’ compensation claim?
You don’t have to be backed by an attorney to file a workers’ compensation claim, but a professional’s guidance could make the process a lot easier. An attorney could also help you file an appeal if your claim is denied even though you have a qualifying injury.