Workplace injuries are an unfortunate but everyday occurrence in many different industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that more than 2.98 million recordable workplace injuries and illnesses occurred in 2011. Approximately 30% of these led to days missed from work with most workers missing an average of 8 days.
In Arizona, the private sector recorded more than 300 workplace injuries in according to the BLS and approximately 90 of those involved days away from work.
Furthermore, the Industrial Commission of Arizona notes that in 2010 there were 77 fatal workplace injuries, the majority of which were due to transportation incidents.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a workplace accident due to another individuals negligence, the victim may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
Although workers compensation primarily works to cover injured workers in their time of need, some employers choose to not have workers compensation for fail to provide adequate benefits. Our knowledgeable attorneys can help you fight for your right to fair and just compensation.
Fill out the FREE CASE REVIEW form to your right for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation of your workers compensation claim.
Workplace Safety Precautions & Tips
Most anyone can be involved in a serious workplace accident that leads to injury, it is important for workers of all industries to adhere to safety guidelines. Most industries have certain standards their employees must follow, particularly those who work in risky fields such as construction workers and electricians.
The following are some safety tips and precautions all workers should take to lessen their risk of enduring a workplace injury.
Avoiding Slips & Falls
- Watch for spills, if you see one that has not been marked notify someone to clean-it up, or clean it up yourself, and make sure a Slippery when wet sign is placed in the location.
- Wear nonskid shoes if you will frequently be walking on slippery surfaces.
- Do not climb on shelving units, storage shelves, or boxes. Always use a safe ladder to reach items.
- Always use a safety harness when working at high altitudes.
Tips for Lifting Properly
- Always gauge how heavy a box is before picking it up, this can be done by moving the box with your foot or crouching down to move it about.
- Nonskid shoes can prevent slipping or skidding when picking a heavy object up
- Learn to properly lift heavy items, you should be using your legs and not your back to lift
Fire & Heat Safety Tips
- Make sure your employer has a fire safety plan in place; have fire drills to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of a fire
- Flammable work chemicals should be kept in a well-ventilated room
- Make sure you, and your fellow employees, know how to use a fire extinguisher
Food Handling
- Most employers will require food serve workers to wear non-slip shoes; replace these shoes as needed to avoid slipping and falling.
- When using sharp knives, wear metal mesh gloves to prevent cuts
- Learn how to handle grease fires appropriately
General Safety Precautions
- Use a hard hat
- Do not approach vehicles from the blind side (forklifts, trucks, etc.)
- Wear safety gear as needed (jackets, eye protection, gloves, etc.)
- Obey all operating instructions on machinery
- Practice reasonable care when it comes to safety
The types of safety precautions a person should take often depend on their occupation. Proper training is important as is reading through an employee handbook for safety guidelines you should be following. Some employers will even provide safety courses to ensure that you are aware of the safety guidelines you should be following.
Contact our Phoenix Workers Compensation Attorneys
Despite how careful you may be, some employers and fellow employees could fail to exercise reasonable care with thus results in a serious work injury. If you or a loved one has been injured due to another individuals negligence, the victim may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and more.
At Phillips Law Group we are dedicated to helping those afflicted by a workplace accident fight for their right to fair and just compensation. For years we have been representing personal injury victims throughout Phoenix, Arizona and the surrounding areas, including:
- Tucson
- Mesa
- Chandler
- Surprise
- Glendale
and many more local towns and cities. To learn more about your legal rights and how our experienced attorneys can help you, contact us by calling 602-222-2222 . Our offices are available 24 hours a day, 7 days week. Remember, your initial case consultation is free and of no-obligation to you.
You may also contact us online by filling out the FREE CASE REVIEW form at the top right hand corner of this page your information will remain strictly confidential.