Even the most ordinary workplace surroundings can result in injuries. To avoid becoming embroiled in a lengthy workers’ compensation dispute, business owners should be aware of the most prevalent work-related injuries and how to prevent them. Employees should become educated about occupational injury risks in order to avoid them and stay safe.
Here’s a listing of the most typical workplace accidents in Australia:
1. Falling and slipping
The slip and fall accidents are perhaps the most common workplace injury across all industries. The risk of sliding on freshly swept floors or in a puddle of spilled liquid exists everywhere, from offices to overcrowded warehouses and factories. The employer could be held liable for this damage if there were no sufficient warning signs suggesting a wet floor.
2. Struck by moving objects
Moving things in the workplace frequently damage workers. Items such as crates, building materials, and tools might all fall. Injuries caused by being struck by moving machinery are also included. Employees can suffer catastrophic traumatic brain injuries as a result of moving or falling objects.
Workplaces can reduce the risk of injury from falling or moving objects by displaying warning signs in areas where falling objects are expected and requiring protective equipment such as hardhats and goggles in construction zones.
3. Collided with static objects
Workers can also be hurt by striking their bodies against stationary objects on the other end of the spectrum. Workers who are preoccupied may walk or run into poles, walls, windows, machines, or vehicles, injuring their heads, knees, necks, and feet.
To avoid this type of harm, companies should implement regulations that prohibit mobile phone use and other distractions in dangerous workplaces.
4. Falling from heights
A fall from a height is one type of injury that workers, particularly in the construction and cleaning industries, might sustain. Window washers on platforms or construction workers laying down roofing may suffer serious injuries such as shattered bones or internal bleeding if they fall from a great height.
5. Exhaustion
Overexertion injuries happen when workers put too much effort into finishing a task. These work-related injuries can include strained, pulled, or torn muscles, tendons, and ligaments, as well as chronic discomfort or severe joint difficulties.
To avoid overexertion injuries, workers should receive proper instruction on how to execute work duties such as heavy lifting and be given adequate break time during the workday.
6. Injuries caused by repetitive motion
Repetitive strain injuries happen when you do the same motions repeatedly. Workers might suffer cumulative harm to their body by performing the same action over and over again. Carpal tunnel syndrome, or nerve damage produced by repetitive motions, is one of the most prevalent repetitive motion injuries. It has an impact on a wide range of employees, from assembly line workers to office workers.
To reduce these types of employee injuries, workplaces should provide ergonomic equipment and allow for regular breaks.
7. Electric shock
Electrocution is a typical injury in locations where people are exposed to potentially hazardous electrical lines or utilities, although it can occur anywhere. Before repairing defective wiring or digging near subterranean electrical lines, take the necessary safeguards.
8. Entanglement
Entanglement, which occurs when a worker’s clothing, hair, or limbs become entangled in moving heavy gear, is one of the most terrifying workplace accidents. Crushed bones, missing limbs, and death are among possible outcomes of entanglement. Before doing significant jobs, employees working with dangerous machinery must have proper training and wear appropriate clothing.
9. Accidents involving motor vehicles
Motor vehicle accident injuries are a possibility in jobs that demand the usage of trucks or other vehicles. Weather, equipment concerns, and careless driving are just a few of the reasons that lead to workplace motor vehicle accidents.
Businesses that operate car fleets or trucks should emphasize driver safety and monitor drivers on a regular basis to ensure that they follow all safety measures when operating a vehicle to avoid accidents and collisions.
10. Violence in the workplace
The threat of workplace violence has been more widespread in recent years. Co-worker disputes, as well as arguments or violent confrontations between staff and clients, may occur. To avoid workplace violence injuries, employers should offer all employees with violence training and de-escalation techniques.
Of course, workplace accidents are not limited to these. If you are injured or become ill because of your job or any negligence in the workplace, you may be entitled to compensation for this.
In fact, if you are reported to be unable to work after your work accident, the type of compensation you will demand may be associated with total and permanent disability. Since the accidents are not the same with each other and their effects on the workers will not be the same, TPD pay-out amounts are specific to the file.
In some cases, you may even be entitled to claim your pension if you are unable to work due to illness, injury, or any other medical reason. It is recommended that you contact superannuation lawyers to find out the requirements of your situation.
