There’s always a risk of getting injured at your workplace in Rhode Island, regardless of your job But there are positions that are prone to more injuries than others. Here are the four main causes of workplace injuries, depending on your job type.
Overexertion
Overexertion refers to any injury resulting from excessive physical effort. Human body parts also wear out like machines in the workplace. For instance, if you are lifting heavy objects, it might cause back pain or sustained neck. Some people who work in the office also experience carpal tunnel syndrome because of typing too much.
However, occupations with the most cases include:
- Warehouse workers
- Registered nurses
- Construction laborers
- Truck drivers
Exposure to harmful substances
The thing about workplaces is that hazards are everywhere, just waiting for the right opportunities to cause harm. Exposed electric wires, unattended chemicals, flammable materials and many more can all pose a threat to the employees. For this reason, the law requires employers to have workers’ compensation insurance cover for when the unfortunate happens.
Falls, trips and slips
Falls are common in several jobs in Rhode Island, where employees need to climb up ladders or operate heavy machinery. Injuries caused by trips and slips can also be severe because of the sudden accidental movement. It’s important to be aware of wet floors, loose wires, and other hazards that can cause you to fall.
Contact with objects & equipment
This type of workplace injury typically occurs when struck by falling objects, getting caught in machinery, being hit by moving vehicles, etc. Among the many problems you could develop, there’s one known as Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) that results from excessive use of vibrating hand tools. It causes tingling, numbness, pain and bone cysts in wrists and fingers.
Risks will always be a part of any job, but knowledge and awareness are key to preventing workplace injuries. In case of an injury, you should know that you might be able to claim compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and other benefits through workers’ compensation.