Whether you go to work in an office every day or applied for a construction job because you like to be outdoors and building things, like most Iowa workers, you have probably gotten so used to your job that you could do some of it blindfolded. While it’s good to be skilled and knowledgeable about your work, it can also be dangerous because you might fall into the bad habit of taking safety for granted.
Your employer, of course, is obligated to provide information, training and equipment to keep you and your co-workers safe on the job. Some jobs are inherently more dangerous than others; however, no matter where you work, you are at risk for injury if an accident occurs. Some of the most common workplace accidents can happen just about anywhere.
Workplace mishaps that can cause you injury
Let’s say you’re standing near the office coffee pot and someone spills steaming, hot coffee on you, causing you to suffer a burn on your arm. That is a workplace injury, and you would be able to file a report and in hopes of obtaining benefits to help cover the cost of your medical expenses. The following list shows the most common types of on-the-job accidents that occur in Iowa and throughout the nation:
- Vehicular collisions: Do you drive a company car or commercial vehicle? Perhaps you use your own vehicle to travel to meetings or make deliveries for your employer. Whether on the road or in the office parking lot, vehicle collisions rank high on lists of most common workplace accidents.
- Slip-and-fall situations: Perhaps someone mopped the restroom floor where you work and did not post a caution sign or maybe there was an electrical cord stretched across a pedestrian area. Slip-and-fall accidents can result in minor injuries, such as a twisted ankle, or serious disabilities involving neck or back strain.
- Machinery accidents: Many workers suffer injuries after heavy equipment falls on them, hits them or entraps them. If your hand gets stuck in a machine or a piece of heavy concrete falls off a truck, the results can be disastrous.
- Repetitive strain: This type of injury is often slow developing and symptoms may not be immediately apparent. However, many workers have become unable to return to their duties due to chronic pain issues due to repetitive strain injuries.
Fire and explosion accidents are also more common in the workplace than most would imagine. You hopefully adhere to any and all safety regulations that apply in your workplace. Beyond that, by staying alert and mindful of potential hazards, you may be able to avoid an accident.
Support for injured workers
Workers’ compensation insurance is meant to help you pay medical bills, replace lost wages and make ends meet at home if you suffer an injury in the workplace. A main goal is always to help you recover to the point that you are able to return to your duties as soon as possible. Filing a claim for benefits can be a complicated process, and problems can arise if an insurer tries to deny your claim. That’s why many injured workers seek legal guidance before filing.