Despite advancements in workplace safety protocols, industrial accidents continue to affect the lives of countless injured workers every year. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were over 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported by private industry employers in 2019 alone.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) collects and publishes data on workplace injuries and accidents, offering valuable insights into safety trends across various industries. Recent OSHA statistics highlight that despite ongoing advancements in safety protocols and equipment, there are still a significant number of preventable injuries occurring every year. Injuries sustained on the job not only cause physical pain and suffering but also result in significant financial loss for the injured worker.
According to the National Safety Council, the top 5 common industrial injuries:
- Electricity exposure/electrocution
- Radiation and noise injuries
- Burns and irritation from extreme temperatures
- Pressure or crush damage from high speeds of air or water
- Oxygen deficiencies
OTHER INDUSTRIAL INJURIES
Unfortunately, industrial jobs are some of the most hazardous jobs, high-risk jobs with high injury rates. Industrial accidents can cause life changing injuries. Infrastructure failures, dangerous procedures, and human mistakes or negligence have the potential to create hazards in industrial settings, potentially leading to personal injury and wrongful death claims.
Lung and Organ Failure
Exposure to Hazardous Substances or Environments
Occupational diseases are a growing concern, with many workers suffering from long-term health issues due to repeated or prolonged exposure to hazardous conditions in the workplace. According to recent data a leading cause of work-related injuries and illnesses requiring time away from worker, was exposure to hazardous substances or environments. Hazardous exposure can cause more serious injuries than a person might initially realize. There could be long-lasting lung and organ failure due to hazardous substance exposure, often leading to a work-related fatality.
Repetitive Motion Injuries and Non-impact Injuries
Next, repetitive motion injuries and non-impact injuries are also common in industrial environments. These types of injuries are seen through stress, strains, back and leg injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome and shoulder injuries. These injuries get worse and worse over time and, in most instances, will require surgery.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Overexertion and bodily reaction, as well as slips, trips, and falls, are the next two most common causes of injury and illness resulting in days away from work. These causes of workplace accidents account for more than 75 percent of all nonfatal injuries and illnesses that result in missed workdays.
CAUSES OF INDUSTRIAL INJURIES
Industrial accidents are frequently preventable, but the proper safety protocols must be drafted, taught, supervised, and used to keep workers safe on the job. Industrial accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from improper lighting to the improper handling of materials. Industrial accidents can be caused by environmental factors, as well as mechanical factors.
Environmental Factors
Industrial accidents can be caused by environmental factors, as well as mechanical factors.
- Improper temperatures
- Inadequate lighting
- Pollution from chemicals
- Sound irritation
Mechanical Factors
Common causes of industrial accidents refer to machine and equipment failures and include:
- Broken machines
- Damaged machines
- Excessive wear and tear
- Explosions
- Power failures
Other Factors that Cause Industrial Accidents
It is our commitment to stand by those who have been affected, offering legal support and guidance through difficult times. If you’ve been injured on the job, know that our team is here to help you navigate the complexities of workplace injury law with compassion and expertise.
Options for Workers with Industrial Injuries in Pittsburgh, PA
Understanding workers’ compensation is essential for anyone who has been injured in an industrial accident. Workers’ compensation benefits exist to help ease the financial burden on employees who have been hurt on the job, offering reimbursement for medical expenses, compensation for lost wages, and more. While this is a relief for many, navigating through the complexities of workers’ compensation claims can be daunting and confusing. Our Pittsburgh work injury lawyers can provide the clear, competent guidance you need to secure the benefits you rightly deserve, ensuring that the injury you’ve suffered doesn’t lead to undue stress about your financial stability.