Top 3 Causes of Workplace Accidents

Considering many people spend most of their time at work, it’s no surprise they sustain injuries on the job reasonably often. Many occupations are hazardous, such as industrial work. However, even office jobs can encourage injuries if the proper precautions aren’t taken by employers. Here are three common causes of workplace accidents and how to avoid them.

FATIGUE

Being tired is not only surprisingly common but can be comparable to being drunk. According to at least one study, people who drove fatigued made similar mistakes to people who drove under the influence of alcohol. Tiredness can decrease reaction time and prevent people from making sound, logical decisions. Likewise, falling asleep on the job can often have disastrous results, such as for commercial truck drivers. Make sure you get at least seven hours of sleep each night to prevent yourself from working in a fatigued state.

TRIPS AND FALLS

Trips and falls can be common disasters in most workplaces, from construction to the office to maintenance. Slick or wet floors, lack of proper handrails, and high-traffic corridors can all cause people to trip or fall. Likewise, if people are wearing incorrect shoes in the wrong environment, this could also cause an accident. Employers should ensure workers know what precautions to take if a spill occurs in the workplace, and all employees should be wearing proper attire, such as shoes with good tread.

STRESS

Stress is actually one of the leading causes of death in the United States. One of the most dangerous jobs in the country, firefighting, doesn’t owe its death count to fire; instead, most firefighters succumb to heart disease as a result of the high-stress environment they need to deal with on a day-to-day basis. However, one doesn’t need to be a firefighter to experience high amounts of stress. It can cause a severe impact on the human body—physically, emotionally, and mentally. It’s essential to take a break every once in a while where possible. Employers should also encourage a supportive environment for their workers.

If you were injured on the job, don’t hesitate to give our skilled New Orleans workplace accident attorneys a call. We would be happy to help you file a workers’ comp claim or defend your right to benefits if your claim is denied.