Top Ten Most Common Accidents at Work

Whether you’re an apprentice or a veteran with 30 years’ experience, there’s one thing that can affect us
all – accidents in the workplace. During 2014 there were more than 620,000 recorded workplace injuries,
with 148,000 leading to an absence of at least seven days.

When you next enter your office or factory, look out for these hazards and try to avoid them…

Falls

Falls are among the most common work-related accidents. People are at risk of falling from
ladders, scaffolding platforms and stairwells, among other things. If proper care is not
taken and the basic rules of working safely at heights are not followed, such as having
someone hold your ladder, you could suffer an injury. Your employers should supply
harnesses where appropriate and ensure all work areas are kept free of clutter.

Slips & Trips

Slippery surfaces really are a recipe for disaster. When you’re on the move in the office,
be aware of the state of the surfaces and, of course, any yellow Wet Floor signs. You
could suffer an accident if a spill hasn’t been cleaned up or if water or other liquids have
been brought in on people’s feet.

Burns

If you’re handling chemicals, heating equipment or even just making soup, burns can
be horrible injuries. They are most often inflicted by chemicals in labs or factories, or
from the use of welding tools. All burns should be treated instantly.

Cuts

Depending on your profession, cuts can be among the most common and nasty
workplace injuries. If you’re a chef working with sharp knives or spend all day working
with tools such as saws, you could be in danger of lacerations. To avoid them, employers
should provide full training to employees when such equipment is to be used.

Back & Neck

Back and neck injuries are seen in the majority of workplaces throughout the country.
Back injuries can be sustained by heavy lifting or the lack of lumbar support in an office
chair. To avoid these painful injuries, employers should provide proper back supports,
detailed work-station assessments and safety training for lifting.

Repetitive Strain Injury

Repetitive Strain Injury is often overlooked as a serious problem but can, in fact, be a
hugely debilitating affliction. RSI is caused by any repetitive joint motion, including
keyboard use. Such injuries can be prevented by regular breaks and a simple series
of stretches.

Impact Injuries

There’s always the chance that you could suffer a collision when you’re driving any kind
of vehicle, whether you’re making deliveries or working in tractors, golf buggies or
forklift trucks. Seat belts should always be equipped and where necessary helmets
should also be used. Safe-driving courses are also highly recommended.

Inhalations

When working with chemicals in a lab environment, employees are at an increased risk
of breathing in fumes or gas, which can cause poisoning and skin and eye reactions.
They should be supplied with the necessary equipment to prevent the risk of
inhalation, including safety goggles and breathing masks.

Hearing Loss

Constant exposure to loud noises in industrial areas such as building sites can
seriously damage your hearing. The effect may be gradual over many years or could
come on very suddenly. However, the risks of this injury can be greatly reduced by
basic safety measures such as ear protectors and the positioning of loud machinery
behind ambient barriers.

Toppling Incidents

Any workplace that has shelving and products stacked high can be susceptible to
toppling incidents. A combination of careless staff behaviour and poorly secured units
can lead to serious accidents, especially where large, heavy objects are involved.

If you have suffered an accident at work, such as any of those mentioned above,
you may be entitled to make a compensation claim. Our personal injury lawyers
are experienced in handling specific claims and securing the maximum
compensation for your injuries and any financial loss resulting from them.