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Avoiding workplace injuries

On Behalf of | May 11, 2016 | Workplace Injuries

Each year, many Oklahoma residents are injured while they are working at their jobs. People can be injured at work while performing a variety of different tasks. Even things that might seem innocuous can lead to workplace injuries. Workers and their employers should take steps to minimize the risk of them occurring.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an estimated 3 million injuries happen on the job every year in the U.S. Many are preventable ones. People may avoid overexertion injuries by learning and using proper techniques for lifting. They can also get help from other workers to lift objects. Employers can minimize the risk of repetitive motion injuries by improving the ergonomics of the work stations their employees use.

Properly maintaining safety equipment, installing handrails and having adequate lighting are all ways employers can reduce the risk of falls from heights. Employees should always make certain they are using safety harnesses. Making certain that objects are properly secured can help to prevent injuries caused by falling objects. Workers should wear hard hats for added protection. Simply keeping the floor cleared of debris can help reduce the incidence of injuries caused by slips, trips and falls. Injuries due to accidents while on the roadways may be reduced by wearing seat belts, having proper training and making certain to follow the rules of the road.

Avoiding workplace injuries by taking steps to reduce the risks may help employers save on their workers’ compensation insurance premiums, but accidents will continue to happen. When one is caused by an employer’s blatant disregard of safety protocols, an attorney could advise the victim that a choice could be made between filing a workers’ compensation claim or suing the employer for negligence.

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