Some workplace hazards are so common that they go unnoticed

Employers in Alabama and all across the nation are responsible for the safety and health of their employees. While certain industries pose greater risks than others, some dangers exist in almost all workplace environments. You may be able to avoid serious injuries if you keep a lookout for some of the most common threats.

Although the fact that workers’ compensation benefits will cover medical expenses and lost wages in the event of an occupational injury, minimizing the risks may prevent the need to claim benefits altogether. By reporting hazardous situations to your employers, you might even help to prevent co-workers from suffering workplace injuries.

Dangers that may threaten your safety

Being able to identify some of the following potential workplace hazards may make it easier to take preventative measures, and you may be able to help make your work environment safer:

  • Chemicals — Many workplaces expose workers to some dangerous substances such as corrosives, liquids, gases, solids, vapors, dust and more. Risks can include inhalation or absorption through the skin, and proper preventative measures are often critical for protection.
  • Fire — Regardless of the type of business in which you work, there is probably a risk of fire. Every employee must know the locations of fire extinguishers and emergency exits — neither of which must ever be blocked from easy access. Regular fire drills can prevent uninformed confusion in the event of a fire.
  • Electricity — This hazard does not only threaten the safety of electricians. Any employee who works with electrical equipment is at risk if power cords, extensions, plugs and more have exposed wires. Unprotected electrical boxes can also pose significant threats.
  • Falls and falling objects — While working at heights will always be dangerous, climbing a ladder in a storeroom or office can also prove to be a risky venture. Random objects stored on the floor can cause trips, and spilled liquids can cause slip-and-fall accidents. Any workplace in which merchandise, boxed documents or any other items are stored overhead can lead to injuries by being struck by falling items. Not all workplaces allow the protection of hardhats and fall harnesses to protect workers.
  • Repetitive strain — Did you know that rolling dough, washing windows, typing and other repetitive actions could cause so much strain on muscles that permanent damage can result? Tendons most susceptible to such injuries are in the shoulders, back, hands, wrists and forearms, and regular breaks and job rotations can prevent these injuries.

In some cases, employers who disregard employee safety also tend to dispute claims when employees suffer workplace injuries. If you are the victim of occupational injuries — or an illness caused by conditions at work — you may find that the support and guidance of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can ease the claims process. With skilled legal counsel to navigate the administrative and legal proceedings for you, you will increase your odds of receiving the maximum amount of benefits to which you are entitled.