Understanding and Preventing Industrial Accidents

By: Mesriani Law Group | Posted: 23rd August 2009

Approximately 1.6 million industrial accidents happen in the United States every year with results ranging from minor to disabling injuries, and sometimes even death.



The difference with these types of accidents is that it directly affects a person's job and the employer is responsible for accidents that happen in the workplace.



The most common industrial accidents are:



• Trips, slips and falls



• Strikes from objects



• Lifting accidents



• Fall from heights



• Fires and Explosions



• Machine accidents



To prevent any liability suits and to provide employees a means of income in case of an injury that temporarily prevents them from performing their job, most states require employers to provide worker's compensation insurance.



A worker's compensation insurance provides injured employees compensation in exchange for their right to sue the company for personal injury damages.



Although employees can no longer sue their employers, they can still file for personal injuries against a third party if that party's negligence is the cause of the accident.



A third-party can be a contractor, a sub-contractor, manufacturing company or any other party other than the employer.



Prevention



To avoid industrial accidents, employers are advised to take measures in preventing such accidents from happening in the workplace.



The first step would be to perform a risk assessment of the workplace to identify the possible dangers and hazards that could cause an accident.



Some of the common things that the employer should look at in the workplace are:



• Exposed electrical wirings and outlets.



• Unguarded heavy machineries



• Wet and slippery floor surfaces



• Temperatures in certain areas



• Toxic chemicals



• Explosives and fire hazards



• Safety equipments



• Workplaces located in high areas



• Exposure to sunlight



After identifying the possible dangers in the workplace, the employer can then take measures in eliminating or at least decreasing the risk of accidents.



Some of the smallest things could be a big help in preventing accidents in the workplace like:



• Keeping walkways clean and free from clutter and slippery objects such as water and too much wax.



• Providing safety and protective equipment especially for those that are handling hazardous materials like chemicals.



• Store chemicals and explosive materials in secure locations far from materials that can cause sparks and fires.



• Provide safety gears such as harnesses for workers that are working in high areas.



• Ensure that workers that perform lifting, pushing and pulling materials are in top conditions by encouraging stretching and exercises before performing duties.



• Provide adequate training for specific functions especially if there are high risks of accidents involved.



• Provide training to all employees about safety and first-aid so that they would know what to do in case of an accident and injury.



However, even with all the care in the world, a single negligent act by another person can cause an industrial accident that can lead to injuries or death.



If you have been injured in the workplace due to the negligence of others, you should consult an industrial accident attorney to help you with your case.



To help you deal with industrial accident issues, consult with our skilled accident lawyers. Visit our website and avail of our free case evaluation.
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Tags: 6 million, manufacturing company, explosions, toxic chemicals, negligence, sunlight, fires, strikes, compensation insurance, personal injuries, floor surfaces, slips, fire hazards, risk assessment, explosives, slippery floor, industrial accidents