A workplace injury is something that you believe would not happen to you. Your employer is diligent, follows all the OSHA regulations and provides you with a safe workplace. In reality, as any Mississippi work injury attorney knows, there are many workplace hazards – and they can be found even at the place of business of reputable companies.
The key problem is that worsening economic conditions determine some employers to cut corners in order to save money and protect their profits. They delay preventive maintenance on machinery and vehicles. They do not perform inspections all over the workplace to identify dangerous areas. And they tend to forget that old devices need to be replaced from time to time. All these are workplace hazards. If you happen to suffer an injury due to such a hazard a Mississippi workers compensation lawyer is ready to help you win the benefits you deserve.
Statistics Show that Mississippi Workplace Hazards Cause Many Injuries
The Bureau of Labor Statistics paints a not very happy image of the workplace safety conditions in our state. Although the general trend is a decrease in fatal workplace injuries during the last five years, 44 workers lost their lives in work related accidents in Mississippi in 2020.
The industries with most workplace hazards resulting in injuries and death are:
- Transportation and warehousing
- Construction
- Repair and maintenance
- Other services, except public administration
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting.
These statistical data are in line with the cases we accept on behalf of injured workers who need help to file a workers’ comp claim. Most of our clients were injured on a construction site, while driving for work purposes and due to defective machinery.
Also, the statistics indicate that most of the accidents caused by workplace hazards affect experienced workers: the 45 to 54 years age group, respectively, the 55 to 64 years age groups. This shows that these accidents cannot be imputable to the workers’ inexperience.
These Are the Most Common Workplace Hazards
What can cause a serious accident, requiring you to stay in hospital and miss several paychecks? These are some of the most frequent reasons for filing a claim with the help of a Mississippi work injury attorney:
1. Slip and Fall Accidents
A slip and fall accident is not a trivial matter. Many people suffer severe injuries, such as bone fractures, neck injuries and head injuries after taking a bad fall. The consequences of such an accident are usually more serious if you are not wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as a hard hat.
If your employer failed to provide you with adequate PPE and they failed to remove workplace hazards such as slippery and wet surfaces, then an attorney will easily prove their liability and help you get wage replacement and compensation for your medical care bills.
2. Transportation Accidents
Truck drivers, couriers, and delivery staff are exposed to the risk of being involved in a severe motor vehicle accident. This is one of the workplace hazards that cause the largest number of fatal accidents. Sadly, in our state the fatality rate exceeds the national average, as the chart published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates.
While a large majority of such accidents are caused by driver error, many others are imputable to the employer’s negligence, including:
- Giving drivers tight delivery deadlines and pressuring them to skip mandatory breaks
- Failing to perform maintenance and repairs on the vehicles
- Overloading the trucks beyond the maximum capacity.
If you are on the job while you suffered a traffic accident, you should contact a Mississippi workers compensation lawyer. You may be eligible for workers’ comp benefits. Since we offer you a free case review, you will not lose any money if you seek legal help.
3. Using Defective Tools and Machinery
Even a small tool, such as a soldering iron, can cause severe burn injuries if it is defective or damaged. In general, the bigger the tool, the more serious are the injuries it can cause if it malfunctions. This type of workplace hazards can be found everywhere:
- On construction sites
- In workshops
- In car repair shops
- In production facilities
- In warehouses.
The range of injuries caused by defective tools is very large:
- Burns
- Electrical shocks
- Fractures and other types of crushing injuries.
4. Falls from Height
This is one of the workplace hazards specific to the construction industry. Many workers fall from a considerable height for various reasons, such as:
- Unsecured ladders or scaffolding
- Inadequate safety equipment
- Lack of supervision
- Lack of proper training in using safety equipment.
Most of these issues can be imputable to the employer. They have the obligation to ensure that workers are properly trained and are allowed to work at height only if they wear personal protective equipment.
5. Exposure to Electricity
Electrical shocks can be caused by various workplace hazards, such as:
- Exposed wires
- Old wiring
- Malfunctioning machinery and vehicles
It is the employer’s duty to inspect the electrical installation and appliances and make sure that they meet all safety codes and are in proper working condition. Any danger should be signaled visibly and the defect remedied as soon as possible.
When employers fail in this duty, workers can suffer severe injuries and even lose their lives.
6. Exposure to Chemicals and Dangerous Substances
Some workplace hazards are inherent – they are a direct consequence of the substances and materials you are working with. In this situation, an employer should follow strict safety procedures and provide all workers with adequate personal protective equipment.
This type of hazard can result in immediate injuries (in case of accidental spillage) or in occupational diseases which are the result of long term exposure to the respective substance.
7. General Workplace Hazards
These are hazards which cannot be categorized one way or another. They have to do with inadequate training and understanding of safety procedure, and inadequate supervision.
These are some of the more difficult cases to win, as employers will generally blame the injured worker for negligence resulting in their accident. However, an experienced Mississippi workers compensation lawyer will be able to ascertain the actual circumstances of your workplace accident and help you file a claim successfully.
No Matter How You Were Injured, Trust an Experienced Workers Comp Law Firm
At Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Lawyer you will find a multidisciplinary team of attorneys and case specialists who will give you the best legal advice. We will analyze the circumstances of your accident, identify any workplace hazards and make sure that your workers comp claim is solid.
Do not let your employer persuade you that you don’t have the right to file a claim. Schedule a free case review with us and let us protect your rights: 601-519-4181!
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