Types of Accidents

Whether you spend most of your workday sitting at a desk, or climbing scaffolding at a construction site, workplace accidents can happen. Depending on the nature of the accident, the resulting injuries can range in seriousness from relatively minor cuts and bruises to massive head injuries, broken bones, and fatality. Being aware of some of the more common work injuries can help you take proactive steps to avoid them.

If the accident occurred while you were on the job, your injuries will be covered by Workers’ Compensation. The following list includes some of the most common types of workplace accidents:

Car Accidents: If driving is part of your job, or you were driving somewhere on company business, Workers’ Compensation will cover the cost in the event of a workplace car accident and resulting injuries.
Construction Accidents: Construction workers are exposed to a wide range of safety risks, including falls from ladders and scaffolding, head injuries from falling debris, and lacerations from equipment. It is imperative that employees wear the appropriate safety equipment at all times.
Crane Accidents: Injuries from crane accidents tend to be quite serious, especially if a worker falls from a crane, or is hit by an object falling from a crane.
Electrical Accidents: Employees who work with power lines and any kind of electrical wiring are at risk of electrocution. Some workers at risk include electricians, construction workers, machine operators, roofers, carpenters, and cement workers.
Elevator Accidents: These accidents are often caused by sudden acceleration or deceleration, falls into the elevator shaft, and door entrapment.
Equipment Malfunctions: Serious injuries can occur when equipment does not function properly, especially if the equipment is large and uses sharp blades or hot temperatures. Employees should conduct regular maintenance and make the appropriate repairs as soon as possible.
Fatal Work Accidents: Falling from heights and vehicle accidents are the most common causes of fatal injuries.
Forklift Accidents: Forklifts are generally used at construction sites, in warehouses, and at other work sites where heavy objects need to be lifted and moved. Forklift accidents are often due to poor maintenance or defective parts.
Healthcare Accidents: Healthcare accidents are all too common in hospitals and other medical facilities. Healthcare workers can be injured from lifting patients, needle sticks and patient violence.
Ladder Accidents: These are among the most common causes of workplace injuries and fatalities, and are usually caused by poor maintenance, uneven rungs, or a failure to properly secure the ladder.
Machine Accidents: Equipment used to manufacture products is often very large and often contains sharp objects. When operating large machinery, employees should always remove loose jewelry, keep hair pulled back, and follow all safety protocols.
Manufacturing Accidents: The manufacturing industry has one of the highest rates of workplace accidents. Injuries common to factory workers include those related to heavy machinery, conveyor belts, and exposure to toxic chemicals. Overexertion and repetitive motion injuries are also common.
Occupational Exposure: Employees who are exposed to toxic substances like asbestos are at risk of developing serious health conditions. Construction workers, miners, health care professionals, and nuclear power plant workers are at a greater risk than other workers.
Office Accidents: While less common than construction-related accidents, employees can become injured in the office environment. Slip and fall accidents, repetitive strain injuries, and carpal tunnel syndrome are some of the common types of office accidents.
Scaffolding Accidents: Depending on how high the scaffolding is, the types of injuries can range from fairly minor to severe head, neck, and spinal cord injuries, and fatality.
Slip and Fall Accidents: Any time there is a wet, slippery surface, or loose, uneven carpeting, a person can easily slip and fall at work. Injuries can range from minor cuts and sprains to broken bones and concussions.
Warehouse Factory Accidents: Some industries are more inherently dangerous than others. Warehouse and factory workers face an increased risk of an on-the-job injury due to the nature of their work.

Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Obtain Compensation for Injured Workers

If you or a loved one has been injured at work, the Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton are on your side. We will protect your rights and guide you through the claims process, answering all of your questions along the way. We will not stop until we secure the maximum benefits to which you are entitled. For a free consultation, call us today at 844-556-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.