There are safety hazards associated with every industry. While some jobs are obviously more dangerous than others, there should always be safeguards in place to ensure that workers are not being exposed to any more risk of injury than is absolutely necessary. Employees should consistently be on the lookout for these workplace hazards that can lead to serious injury or death.
Safety hazards
The term “safety hazard” seems like a large heading, but safety hazards have their own special place in the world of workers’ compensation. Anything that can cause an employee to slip and fall such as water or ice as well as loose items that can lead to an employee tripping are considered safety hazards. Confined spaces, moving and unguarded machinery, and electrical hazards also fall under the umbrella of safety hazards in the workplace.
Ergonomic hazards
Ergonomic hazards are obviously more likely to cause issues in some industries than others, but they should be monitored in all walks of life. Frequent lifting, improper lifting of heavy loads and other actions that can cause damage to the back, shoulders, neck and legs are all considered ergonomic hazards. While it is largely dependent on the employee to use good form in these instances, the employer is also responsible to minimize potential injuries with proper training and equipment.
Physical hazards
Not to be confused with the aforementioned types of hazards, physical hazards aren’t always something that can be touched or felt. Employees who are exposed to long-term shifts in extreme temperatures, constant loud noises or radiation may all experience physical damage that is not immediately noticeable. Employers must take the steps to mitigate these risks as much as possible.
Any employee that finds themselves experiencing pain, discomfort or distress that relates to workplace hazards may want to contact an attorney who is knowledgeable of their state’s workers’ compensation laws. The attorney may review the policies and procedures of the company, along with the incident in question, to help their client recover the financial damages they endured.