5 Most Common Workplace Accidents and How to Prevent Them

Workplace accidents often result in serious injury. Some on-the-job accidents may also lead to death. Knowing your rights, such as options for workers’ compensation and personal injury lawsuits, is necessary when you are injured on the job – and our Maryland workplace injury lawyers can help with that. But avoiding injury in the first place is preferable to seeking compensation after the fact.

What Are the Most Common Workplace Accidents?

According to the BLS, the leading cause of workplace injury is overexertion. While not a type of accident, per se, overexertion does lend itself to injurious or fatal events and may exacerbate the consequences of common workplace accidents such as:

• Slip and fall accidents
• Being struck by an object
• Overexertion when lifting
• Transportation and vehicle-related accidents
• Fires, electrocution, and explosion

While these accidents can take place in nearly any workspace, a majority of on-the-job accidents occur on construction sites. In fact, OSHA has identified four events that frequently lead to death on construction sites. Known as Construction’s Fatal Four, these are:

• Falls
• Struck by an object
• Electrocution
• Crushing/suffocation (being stuck in between two objects)

Most common in the building trades, these fatal workplace accidents are possible anywhere, making it vital that you know how to reduce your risks of being injured.

How to Prevent Workplace Accidents

The most effective way to prevent any type of accident is to pay attention. This means only doing what you are doing. Avoid multitasking. You increase the risk for serious injury (and poor workplace performance to boot) when you multitask. Don’t use your phone when you are walking, driving, or in any other way responsible for movement. Look where you’re going, use proper safety equipment, and be aware of your surroundings. These things will all help you react appropriately to dangers and avoid potential accidents.

Of course, there is no guarantee that these actions will fully prevent an accident – and when that happens, you need a lawyer on your side who can help you get justice.

Some workplace injuries are eligible for workers’ compensation, a no-fault insurance program that covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages while an injured worker recovers. In cases where the accident was a clear result of someone else’s negligence, a personal injury lawsuit may be more successful. During your free case review at one of our Baltimore area offices, we will cover all of your options to help ensure you are making the best choice for your needs.

To schedule your free consultation at Cohen & Dwin, please call 410-653-6000 today.