According to an American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) report, in 2013, 4,585 workers in the United States were killed on the job, and occupational diseases were the cause of an estimated 50,000 deaths. If you have been injured at your workplace, contact us for help so we can help you file a personal injury claim. This resulted in a daily loss of 150 workers as a result of hazardous working conditions. Approximately 3.8 million work-related injuries and diseases are reported every year but it is estimated that the number may be closer to 11 million. Although workplace accidents are common, the majority of them are preventable. An employer has the legal responsibility to ensure that the health and safety of their employees is protected. It is also important for workers to be aware, alert and make safety practices a priority.
Preventing Accidents in the Workplace
Here are the best ways to avoid and prevent accidents in the workplace:
- Get rid of shortcuts – It can be tempting to take shortcuts, especially when there is a deadline. Employees can be eager to finish the job quickly when the end of the day or week is approaching so that they wrap up and go home. While this is understandable, shortcuts can create a lot of dangers and they are the leading cause of accidents. Employers should ensure that their workers follow safety instructions so that they get every job done right and avoid getting injured.
- Have regular emergency drills – By conducting regular emergency drills, employers make sure that their employees know exactly what they need to do if and when emergency occurs. They will be able to follow the emergency plan without any confusion or uncertainty. Having emergency drills will ensure that employees know what to do – for example, if there is a fire, everyone files out automatically in an orderly way to the nearest exits.
- Be aware and prepared for inherent risks – In every job, there are inherent risks. Even employees who work in an office are at risk of developing carpel tunnel syndrome from repetitive tasks like typing and back or neck pains, or headaches, from sitting in front of a computer for hours. When employees are assigned new tasks, employers should explain the inherent risks and inform them of how to reduce these risks.
- Make PPE a priority – Employees should make sure that they make Personal Protective Equipment a priority and wear them at all times when the job requires it. Employers should not only provide PPE but also make sure that their employees know how to use the equipment properly. This means providing adequate training for PPE to workers.
Workplace Injuries and Workers’ Compensation
If you have been injured in the workplace, you should seek legal counsel from an experienced personal injury or workers’ compensation lawyer. It is important to make sure that your rights are protected. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation for your workplace injuries but there can be cases when there are complications. In such cases, it is helpful to have an attorney as the process can be long and complex. If you have been injured on the job due to your employer’s negligence, you should seek the legal counsel of an experienced personal injury attorney at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff, & Wolff of RMFW Law at 212-344-1000. Does your case have merit? Is your case viable? Call us and let’s discuss this. Do not assume anything. If your case is viable we will carry this legal torch for you all the way to the finish line. We know how to win cases. RMFW Law has been winning cases for years.
