Workers in New York face many different types of hazards when they go to their jobs. Industrial environments can be especially dangerous workplaces, particularly when workers handle hazardous materials or operate heavy machinery. Some common causes of workplace accidents are dehydration, fatigue, lifting and falls. Factors like poor lighting, workplace violence, hazardous materials and stress can also contribute to a lot of workplace accidents.
When workers must lift something on the job, it is crucial that they have help if the object is very heavy. Lifting too much weight can cause sprains, strains and torn muscles that can take a long time to recover from. Workers who do not take breaks during their shift are also prone to more injuries as they may become fatigued.
Many workers deal with hazardous materials on the job, and it is important for workers to be educated about the hazardous materials that they are coming in contact with. Employers should provide their workers with personal protective equipment and make sure that they are trained on proper handling of hazardous materials. In some workplaces, safety gear includes proper footwear that can help to prevent slips, trips and falls. Slick floors and uneven surfaces can lead to many workplace accidents.
A person can be injured on the job for a number of different reasons. Whether an accident was the result of a mistake on the worker’s part, employer negligence or chance, the injured worker may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. An attorney can often be helpful in ensuring that the claim contains all of the required documentation and is filed on a timely basis.