Workplace hazards vary from one industry to the next. Construction workers are vulnerable to falls from a significant height, while manufacturing employees are vulnerable to struck-by incidents involving heavy machinery.
Professionals generally benefit from learning about industry-specific job hazards and ensuring that their employer follows all applicable safety regulations. People also need to be aware of universal safety issues that could arise in almost any profession. For example, the three common job hazards below could affect professionals in almost any career and could lead to a workers’ compensation claim.
1. Same-level falls
Slips and trips can affect just about anyone. Fast food workers hurrying due to a sudden drive-through rush could slip in spilled soda. Factory workers could trip over power cords or their own shoelaces. Same-level falls can cause soft tissue injuries, broken bones and even traumatic brain injuries. They may render workers incapable of continuing their employment for weeks or might even force them to change professions in extreme cases.
2. Car crashes
Many professionals occasionally need to drive for their employers. Managers running retail establishments may need to go to the bank to get change for the cash registers. HVAC specialists may need to drive to a client’s home to service their furnace. Anytime professionals who are on the clock are out on the road, they are at risk of a crash. Motor vehicle collisions are a top cause of catastrophic workplace injuries and workplace fatalities across many sectors.
3. Cumulative trauma
Workers in almost any career may perform the same job functions repeatedly, which can cause damage to their bodies. Job tasks including gripping, twisting and lifting can cause repetitive strain injuries or cumulative trauma. Even typing or sitting at a computer desk could cause damage to the human body. Thankfully, workers’ compensation benefits are available regardless of the underlying cause of an employee’s injuries. So long as their medical condition is a result of their employment, they may qualify for medical coverage and disability benefits.
Connecting a diagnosis or injury to job tasks could help workers evaluate their eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits. Professionals often need support handling paperwork and learning about their rights after a work injury, and that’s okay.
