Workplace injuries are when someone is injured at work, such as falling off a ladder, receiving an electric shock, or suffering an eye injury due to someone's negligence.

Employees injured at work may be able to make a compensation claim against the employer, or in the case of a construction accident, against the contractor, supervisor, or construction manager.

When an employee gets injured while at work, they must report the accident to their employer, they'll then need to get medical attention either at the accident and emergency department of the nearest hospital or by visiting their GP.

They must get a report from the medical professional they visit, which should state the name of the medical professional, the name of the worker, and a description of the injury.

Depending on the injury, a worker might need to take time off work to recover. The employee may need to take time off sick from work or take annual leave or sick leave from the accident date. This is entirely dependent on their employment contract and company policy.

Today, let's go over some of the most common workplace injuries that are reported in California.

Here's what you need to know:

Lifting

Lifting can be dangerous in a number of ways, and it's no surprise that it's a leading cause of workplace injuries. Lifting a heavy object incorrectly can cause workers to strain their back, leading to pain and injuries. If the worker has previously suffered a back injury, they may be more in danger of previous recurrent injuries. 

Furthermore, lifting incorrectly can lead to the worker dropping the object they're lifting. Dropping a heavy object can result in serious injuries such as broken bones and bruising. Lifting can also lead to a herniated disc.

This is where a tear in the discs in between vertebrae in the spine causes pain, sometimes resulting in sciatica. Most workplace injuries are caused by lifting and incorrect lifting due to the severe risks involved.

Falling

Falling is one of the most common causes of workplace injuries, and the number of people injured at work due to falls has steadily increased between 2009 and 2011. Falling can result from moving some equipment, such as an electric saw ladder, or becoming off-balance from a certain height.

If you're using a ladder, you must have the right ladder for the job. It would help if you never used a stepladder for a job that requires a ladder to be stood on or leaned against a wall. Step ladders are not sturdy enough to be used in this way and are not meant to be used as a ladder.

Electric Shocks

Shocks can be severe and can result in long-term health problems. For example, an electric shock from a faulty electric tool can cause workers to lose sensation in their hands or even require amputation.

Electrical injuries are also widespread in the construction industry and can cause severe damage to a building. Electricity can travel through water, so never use electrical tools around open water.

A worker might also suffer a shock from an electrical cord due to an electrical fault. If a worker is shocked, they should immediately leave the area of the electricity and call for a health and safety officer to inspect the electrical equipment.

Fire

Fire is one of the most severe workplace injuries, and there were more than 6,000 fires in the workplace between 2009 and 2011. When there's a fire at work, the first thing to do is call the fire brigade and evacuate the building. The second thing is not to attempt to fight the fire, which can make the situation more dangerous. 

If there's a fire in your building, activate the fire alarm, and evacuate the building. Evacuate the building quickly and calmly, leaving everything behind. It's essential to make sure everyone else in the building gets out safely and check that fire doors and windows are shut to prevent the fire from spreading.

If you see a fire, you should make sure you're not involved in the fire and have told someone else what is going on, such as a manager or supervisor.

Repetitive Motion

Repetitive motions can lead to several issues, including carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by the tendons in your wrist pressing against the 'tunnel' in your wrist. This can lead to pain and tingling in the thumb and fingers.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be made worse by the type of movements you make at work, so it's essential to ensure you're not doing anything that puts your wrist in danger.

If you're working in a job that requires repetitive motions, make sure you take regular breaks, walkaround and stretch your wrists, and talk to your employer about the issue. Ask if you can do your work in a way that involves less repetitive movements.

Lacerations

A laceration is a cut that's deeper than a scratch. If you're working in an industry that involves heavy machinery or moving objects, you might get a laceration. This is a severe injury, and the best course of action after getting a tear is to get it stitched as soon as possible. After getting a laceration, you should avoid doing anything that will increase the risk of infection.

If you're injured at work, you need to get medical attention immediately. It's important to report the injury to your employer, and you must keep a copy of any paperwork or reports from the medical professional you visit. You should also keep a copy of your work contract and a copy of your employer's health and safety policy.

Falling Objects

If you're working in a job where you're exposed to falling objects, you must take the proper safety precautions. Falling objects can cause serious damage to a worker's head or body. Falling objects can cause victims severe head injuries, break bones, or pierce things through their skin.

If a worker is exposed to falling objects, they must make sure they have protection on their head, face, and body that's strong enough to protect them from falling. Thick helmets are recommended for workers in the construction industry.

The Bottom Line

Injuries at work are very serious, potentially life-threatening, and result in a long-term inability to work. If you've been injured at your job, you need to take the time to get medical attention for your injury. And to report your injury to your employer.

It's essential to have a health and safety policy that outlines the guidelines for work and safety, and you need to make sure that your employer is following that policy. If you feel as if your employer is not following this policy, you should be able to take action.

If you are looking for an accident lawyer in Los Angeles, we can help you. Here at Mendez and Sanchez Law, you will only find the best. Our attorneys and team members are here to help you through the difficult legal landscape as we pursue the compensation you deserve. Please contact us for your personal injury, auto accident, workers Compensation, Slip and Fall, or other legal needs today!