Which Workplace Hazards Are You Most Likely to Face?

06 Feb Which Workplace Hazards Are You Most Likely to Face?

Workplace injuries are frighteningly common. Unfortunately, they're also frustratingly easy to avoid, provided that the owners of the business take measures to protect their employees. There are some types of hazards in workplaces that you're more likely to face than others.

Falls

Violations of fall protection regulations were the most commonly-cited violations in workplaces by OSHA in 2012. Falling from an elevation causes some of the most devastating injuries imaginable and, of course, these falls all too often end up killing the victim. If you work at an establishment that expects you to ascend heights without fall protection, you should tip off OSHA about it before someone gets hurt or killed. Scaffolding violations were the 3rd most common type of OSHA violation in 2012, so remember to keep an eye out for employers who don’t live up to standards in this regard, as well.

Communication

One of the most overlooked sources of injury in workplaces is simple communication. According to OHSA, violations related to not living up the standards for communicating hazards were the 2nd most common types of violations in 2012. When an employer asks you to do 100% of a job with less than 100% of the information about the dangers involved, they're asking you to risk your life and limb. Report it and don't take on jobs when you're not given thorough information about the hazards involved.

Respiratory Protection

A lot of businesses out there fail to provide adequate respiratory protection to their employees. This can mean something as serious as not giving someone a respirator to protect them against hazardous gasses or something as seemingly innocuous—but very dangerous—as not giving someone a dust mask when they're in a dusty environment. Lung problems, even from simple dust, can be severe and life threatening. You'll want to speak up if an employer isn't giving you the proper equipment to handle the job they want you to do.

If you need work injury help because your employer didn't take the time to do things right and you got hurt, talk to a lawyer. Personal injury attorneys can handle these claims and they'll oftentimes do so on contingency.

If you're in a workplace that you know to be dangerous, be sure to find other options for employment. You may have to struggle finding a good job, but it's better than being put out of work permanently or even killed by a negligent employer.

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