Every day, people in Kentucky and around the country are severely injured in workplace accidents. Many of these accidents were totally avoidable and caused by a lack of proper safety measures being taken. Here are three of the most common workplace safety hazards that can lead to accidents.
#1: Working at heights
Falls from heights are some of the most common reasons people file workers’ compensation claims. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that 14% of work-related fatalities in 2014 were caused by falls to a lower level.
The proper use of fall protection equipment can prevent many accidents that occur while people are working at heights. However, many employers don’t train their workers on how to use fall protection equipment, or they fail to provide any safety equipment at all.
#2: Cluttered work areas
Failure to keep a work area free of clutter can cause different types of workplace accidents. Trip-and-fall accidents from a cluttered work area can happen in any environment. Employers may ask other workers to regularly clear unused supplies so that walkways remain clear.
Another hazard of a cluttered workspace is that the clutter can block passage to emergency exits when they’re needed. Workers may also be unable to find emergency supplies that they need in a timely manner.
#3: Hazardous chemicals
When hazardous chemicals are not properly taken care of after they are used, they can cause fires or explosions later. Certain chemicals can degrade over time and become even more hazardous. Leaving chemicals around a work environment without properly labeling them or disposing of them properly is a huge safety issue in any workplace.
You may be entitled to compensation for your work-related injuries
Most work-related injuries are eligible under workers’ compensation insurance. In some cases, injured workers can also file a personal injury claim against a negligent third party that was involved. If you were injured at work, you may want to pursue financial compensation for the expenses you incurred while recovering.