The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compiles workplace accident statistics on a regular basis. This information helps to identify dangerous workplace trends so that regulators, employers and workers can take action to reduce the risk of occupational death or injury.
One set of figures that all employers need to be aware of is the Fatal Four. It’s the leading four causes of workplace deaths in the U.S. These hazards also result in a staggering number of non-fatal injuries across the country every year as well.
Falls
Some employment industries, such as construction, are more likely to require employees to work high above the ground. Yet even a seemingly safe office job could require someone to scale a ladder to hang a banner or change a lightbulb. Falls from heights can lead to devastating injuries. Serious injuries can even occur if you fall while standing on the ground. For example, if you slip on a wet floor or step into an unmarked hole, you could get hurt.
Being struck by objects
People who are working while located above other employees on a construction site could drop things down on them. Boxes falling from high shelves could harm warehouse workers and moving machine arms can endanger factory workers.
Electrocutions
Employers must take steps to safeguard workers from the dangers of power cables that lie underground, on the ground or overhead. Even someone changing a lightbulb in the office could be electrocuted.
Being caught in or between things
Employers need to find ways to separate moving machinery from people, such as designating walkways and ensuring machinery and tools have functioning safety guards. Otherwise, becoming trapped can lead to serious harm.
Unfortunately, even the most proactive employers can’t always prevent accidents from occurring. If you are injured in one of these ways, you’ll want help to understand more about the workers’ compensation claims process. Similarly, if you’ve lost a loved one in a work-related accident, you’ll want to speak with a legal professional about workers’ compensation death benefits.
