subject: The Most Common Causes Of Workplace Injuries: Protecting Employees [print this page] Construction sites are one of the first workplaces people think of when asked about workplace related injuries. Falls from scaffolding or high places, injury from defective tools or machinery, or injury from falling objects are catastrophes that are known to occur at construction sites. Accidents from faulty cutting tools or defective nail guns are disasters waiting to happen. Many seemingly innocuous objects at construction sites can also cause injury. Think you know how to climb a ladder? What if the ladder was defective and collapsed under your weight?
Warehouses and factories are also places where injuries on the job are not uncommon. Back sprains or chronic pain can develop from constant repetitive motions, such as lifting. Workers can be caught and injured by the heavy machinery. Loud machinery can cause hearing damage. Some machines may have faulty safety guards, resulting in gruesome bodily accidents, including mangled digits or even loss of limbs.
Workers in a chemical factory may suffer from toxic fumes if their workplace is improperly vented. Medical conditions may develop from handling chemicals, asbestos, or fiberglass. Workers can be burned by chemicals, or by hot water or liquids.
Dont think that just because you work in an office setting that you are immune from workplace injuries. Office workers may develop carpal tunnel syndrome from long hours of typing. Similarly, they may suffer from eye strain from staring at a computer screen too long.
Office workers may also be injured from falling objects or sprains from trips and falls. Improper building maintenance, dust, or mold may cause allergies or pulmonary symptoms in workers. Older buildings may contain asbestos, which will affect all occupants. Electrical wires or faulty wiring may shock office workers, literally.
Though many examples have been cited, there are also ways to lessen the chances of workplace injury. Make sure your tools and equipment are good quality and well maintained. Make sure all workers receive proper training on the job. Also, the use of good common sense can save a worker from a potential work-related injury.
