Accidents can occur in almost any industry in New Jersey, so workers should know what the most common causes are. Below are eight of them and what can be done about each.
Handling stress and fatigue
Often, workers injure themselves because they were too tired to be alert to the dangers around them. The solution is for workers to take the breaks allotted to them. During those breaks, they should drink plenty of water because dehydration is a second common factor in accidents. Third, workers can become a safety threat if they are stressed. This is where a supportive team environment can come into play.
Poor lighting, lack of PPE and more
Good training can avoid so many accidents as the next few items will illustrate. For instance, workers often hurt themselves by lifting objects that are too heavy for them, often through ignorance of lifting techniques or through reluctance to ask for help. Fifth, many workers slip, trip and fall because of improper footwear. Hazardous materials are the sixth factor. Workers might handle these without wearing the right PPE or referring to a material safety data sheet.
Some workplaces, especially warehouses, put employees in danger through inadequate lighting. The last factor is workplace violence. Office politics, for example, can lead to co-workers assaulting one another. This is where peer mediation and conflict resolution play a role.
Filing a workers’ comp claim
Regardless of who, if anyone, was responsible, workplace accidents can lay the foundation for a workers’ compensation claim. You may ultimately be reimbursed for your medical expenses and for short- or long-term disability leave but perhaps not before coming into conflict with your employer. If you were clearly at fault for your injuries, the employer has the right to deny the claim, so you may want a lawyer to represent you.
