Every worker is entitled to have a safe workplace. Although most employers make an effort to keep employees safe, this is not always the case. Baltimore workplaces, like those across the United States, have workplace hazards that put employees at risk of injury.
Workplace hazards are surprisingly common. According to recent reports, there are approximately 2.9 million non-fatal workplace injuries each year. In order to decrease the number of workplace injuries that occur each year, employers and employees alike should be aware of common workplace injuries. Some example of the most common workplace injuries, according to the National Safety Council, include:
Vehicle Accidents – Many Baltimore employees have job duties that require operating a motor vehicle. Employees required to drive in order to carry out job duties are at risk of injury in the event of a car accident.
Walking Into Injuries – Sometimes, the least considered workplace hazards are the everyday objects found in our workspaces. Chairs, desks, and low-hanging ceilings present potential hazards that employees may run into, and employees may suffer minor to serious injuries as a result. Employers should focus on minimizing these potential hazards.
Falling Object Injuries – Some employees’ work environments may be naturally hazardous. Warehouse and construction workers often work in environments where they are at risk of falling objects. Being struck by one of these objects–especially when larger objects are involved–can result in injuries. the implementation of proper safety gear and safety procedures can help reduce these risks
Falling from Heights – Work environments may put employees at risk of injuring themselves. Certain jobs require employees to climb ladders to heights in order to carry out basic job duties. Without proper precautions, an employee may fall and injure him or herself.
Slipping/Tripping – Slip and fall cases are common across the United States. They are also quite common in the workplace. Slip and fall cases are usually caused by wet and slippery floors, in addition to other factors. Failure to display proper signage or to clean up potentially hazardous conditions in a timely manner places not only customers but employees at risk of injury.
Damages for Workplace Injuries
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that employers keep workplaces safe. This means that employers should take the appropriate precautions to minimize potential hazards, even in work environments that may be more dangerous.
Employers do not always keep workplaces safe. Whenever an employee suffers an injury at work and as a result of a workplace hazard, he or she may be entitled to recover damages. Some of the damages to which an employee may be entitled include:
- Medical Expenses
- Pain and Suffering
- Lost Wages
- Lost of Enjoyment
- Punitive Damages