Believe it or not, there are dangers everywhere you go. In the city there are dangers as you cross the street, and you walk under scaffolding on the sidewalk where there building construction, or even the fast paced person holding hot coffee-dangers are everywhere. What many people may not realize; however, is that in certain situations, your workplace can be among some of the most dangerous locations. As a place that you likely spend the majority of your time, it is important to be aware and prepared for the ever present hazards that are around you.
According to studies, there are an estimated 6,000 workers who lose their lives on the jobs around the United States and shockingly enough there are an estimated 5.7 million injuries that are incurred while on the job. While many of these accidents and injuries are more likely in dangerous environments such as oil rigs, construction, and offshore; there are very real hazards that can be found even in the average office space.
When dealing with the topic of a workplace injury, it is essential that you know your rights and that you are aware of the fact you are entitled to receiving compensation for an injury that was sustained as a result of the negligence or otherwise careless acts of another person while at work. If you are victim of a similar injury, contact a personal injury attorney in your area immediately to begin the process towards taking legal action in order to receive the composition you deserve for your injury. So, what are some of these possible dangers?
Accidental falls and flying objects are common causes of injuries in the workplace. For those who work in construction, or perhaps even workers for telephone companies who have to climb on the tall towers and fix wiring, the possibility of falling is there if the proper procedures for safety are not followed. It is the responsibility of your employers to ensure you safety by providing you with the necessary harnesses, guardrails, and safety nets, etc. in order to make sure that you are in a safe environment and your life is not compromised. In order to prevent being hit by falling objects, in similar work situations it is required that you wear a safety helmet, it's worth it.
Workplace fires can happen anywhere, and it is the responsibility of your company to make sure that your work and the people are properly prepared with how to handle a workplace fire to make sure that no one is injured or left behind. Every building has specific safety codes and regulations addressing proper evacuation procedures, how many doors should be available for an escape, etc. and when an employer does not have their office or workplace adequately equipped, people can get injured or killed as a result.
Electrical hazards are another common occurrence whether you are in an office or working with construction. Certain regulations must be met within office spaces regarding what is safe and legal. For those of you who are working hands on with electric wiring, make sure that you are fully trained in how to handle these situations, and that you are using the proper tools for the job. Again, it is the responsibility of your employers to make sure that your equipment and your environment is ready for use before getting on the job.
Chemical hazards are something that workers must be aware of on the job. These dangers are present both on the field of construction and factory workers, but also within the office buildings and other workplaces. Chemical dangers can be found in liquids, solids, vapors, dust, gases, fumes, and corrosives. If you are exposed to a dangerous chemical on the job, not only can your ability to work be poorly affected, but your overall health and life can be at risk. These toxins can be inhaled, absorbed into the body and ingested; so it is important to be aware of anything that is questionable. Remember it is the responsibility of your employer to make sure that your office and workplace is free of danger and is equipped with protection for your safety.
The list of possibilities for injuries in the workplace can go on, however it is important to know that if you are injured in a preventable accident at work you may have the opportunity to fight for compensation for your injuries. Contact a personal injury attorney in your area today for the legal representation you deserve!