According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are an estimated 3 million workplace injuries per year. Of those, roughly 1 million are serious enough to cause workers to miss time from their jobs. Many Tennessee employees get hurt through overexertion while on the job. It can lead to back and other muscle strains, and it can be avoided by learning proper lifting techniques and asking for help when necessary.
Slips, trips and falls are another way that people get hurt while on the job. Common causes of slips and falls include slippery floors or obstacles in a walkway. Making sure that pathways are free from obstacles and using signs to indicate wet or slippery floors may prevent such injuries from occurring. Construction workers may also fall from heights if they aren’t using the proper safety equipment or aren’t using it correctly.
Road accidents are common, and truck drivers should be trained prior to operating their vehicles. Many companies are now instituting a ban on the use of cellphones for their employees who are required to drive as a part of their jobs, as they recognize the risks of these types of distractions when behind the wheel.
Despite all safety precautions being taken by employers and employees alike, however, workplace injuries will unfortunately continue to be a fact of life for people in all occupations.Those who have been injured in an accident are often forced to miss work while they undergo expensive medical procedures. Most employers are required to have workers’ compensation coverage for their employees, and an attorney can describe the benefits that may be available, including medical care and partial wage replacement.