While industries such as construction are commonly known for injuries in Georgia, the truth is that workplace accidents and injuries can happen in any area. According to the National Safety Council, a worker is injured every seven seconds while they are on the job. The most frustrating thing is that many of these accidents are preventable if both employers and employees are on the same page about safety equipment and protocol.
The most common types of injuries that keep people away from work are pain or soreness, sprains, tears and strains and lacerations, punctures or cuts. Overexertion, referring to repetitive motion or lifting and lowering accounts for over 33% of injuries in the office. Workers can avoid these problems by taking frequent short breaks and avoid reaching, bending and twisting when lifting.
Contact with equipment and objects accounts for 26% of injuries. This can mean a worker is struck against or by equipment or an object, they are compressed by or caught in equipment or they are crushed, caught or struck in a collapsing material, equipment or structure. These incidents can often be avoided when heavy objects are stored on the floor, workers wear the right protective equipment and workers are aware of objects and equipment in the working area.
Trips, slips and falls account for almost 26% of workplace injuries. Many fall on the same level while others fall to a lower level. Safety tips include using good housekeeping practices and placing ladders on a solid, even surface.
The most common occupations in which workers miss days of work because of an injury are construction, installation, maintenance and repair, manufacturing and production, transportation and shipping and service such as police and firefighters. While it is imperative that employees follow the safety rules, if you feel your injury could have been prevented by your employer you may benefit from speaking to an attorney.
This is for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as legal advice.