Are You Aware of These 4 Common Workplace Hazards?

Hazards exist in every workplace, but how do you know which ones have the most potential to harm workers? By identifying hazards at your workplace, you will be better prepared to control or eliminate them, and by doing so, prevent life-threatening accidents and injuries.

Read on for a list of the top four most common workplace hazards:

1. Chemical Hazards

Chemical hazards are present when you are exposed to any chemical preparation (solid, liquid, or gas) in the workplace. Specific types of chemicals have been associated with harmful health effects.

2. Slips, Trips, and Falls

According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), most general industry incidents involve slips, trips, and falls and over one million Americans suffer a slip, trip, and fall injury every year. Poor lighting, wet floors, broken floorboards, and defective handrails can all lead to a slip and fall accident. The impact of hitting the hard ground can easily cause serious harm, such as spinal cord and brain injuries as well as hip fractures.

3. Repetitive Motions

Workplace injuries are not always the result of a sudden, isolated event. In fact, most workplace injuries develop over time from minor, repetitive motions that are performed on a frequent basis, such as lifting items, climbing ladders, or even sitting in chairs. Repetitive stress injuries or disorders (RSDs) account for about 60% of all work-related injuries, and one in eight American workers has been diagnosed with an RSD at one time or another. Fortunately, employees can recover from these types of injuries through the workers' compensation system.

4. Falling Objects

There are more than 50,000 "struck by falling object" OSHA recordables every year in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's one injury caused by a dropped object every 10 minutes. Working beneath scaffolds or other areas where overhead work is being performed puts workers at risk of falling objects.

Are you suffering from an injury as the result of an on the job incident? The team at Dugan & Associates has decades of experience with Pennsylvania workers' compensation law, and we're ready to look at your case. Contact us for a consultation.