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When you enter a company, normally they inform you of some regulations or recommendations that will help you identify and avoid what is a work accident. And the fact is that they can be more common than you think, since they do not only include serious blows or injuries, but some ailments caused by wear and tear on your muscles or bones. How to handle this issue?, What can you do?, we tell you here.
What is a work accident
A work accident can be classified as the damage that an employee suffers due to the work they perform. These accidents can occur spontaneously or be the result of certain tasks that, due to the way they are executed, generate injuries that can result in disability or even death.
To cite an example, in 2018 alone, 5,250 cases were recorded in the United States of people who died from workplace accidents, according to figures reported by the labor statistics office of the country's Department of Labor.
Causes of a workplace accident
Workplace accidents can be caused by various reasons. One of them is unsafe working conditions, which includes worn tools, poor lighting, inadequate protection, or defective facilities.
At the same time, as an employee you must be aware of the risks you run if you do not perform your tasks responsibly, since you can create an environment conducive to a work accident when you do not use work uniforms and other protective equipment such as helmets, goggles, vests, etc. Also, when you perform certain operational tasks without being authorized or manipulate without caution elements or substances that could affect your health.
More frequently, there are workplace accidents caused by falls, trips, or slips, which are caused by defective surfaces, objects in poor position, inappropriate footwear, or lack of concentration when moving around the facilities.
Nowadays, these accidents are also related to work-related stress, as daily stress can cause effects on the physical and mental health of workers.
How to prevent a workplace accident?
There are several alternatives that can be implemented to avoid workplace accidents. Among the most common are:
Training:
When you enter a company, review the workplace safety policies, and also learn about the protocols you must follow in case of an accident or injury and the people you should contact to help you with the process.
Inform yourself about emergency exits, location of fire extinguishers and other signs that will help you prevent a workplace accident.
Working conditions:
Work spaces are essential for the proper development of the functions you are in charge of. Ventilation, electricity, water services, among other physical elements must be in optimal conditions. If upon entering a workplace you consider that these adjustments are harming your health or could be a risk for your colleagues, report it to the area in charge of your company.
Self-prevention:
To avoid a workplace accident, as a worker you need to be aware of situations that could put you or the people on your team at risk. A simple way to contribute to the prevention of accidents in your workplace is by keeping your work area organized and clean. This way, you avoid injuring yourself with some object or harming a third party.
It is also not recommended that you leave drawers open, chairs misplaced, and the cables of your computer, printer, or phone disorganized, as you could fall or cause someone else to trip.
Workplace health:
Over time it is normal that you opt for poor postures at work and that they cause you muscle pain. For example, if you spend your work day in an office and use the computer regularly, sit in a way that does not hurt your spine. Check that the chair is comfortable and do not forget to take active breaks.
If you have a source of noise very close by, report it to avoid long-term problems, or if your vision is failing, you must take the necessary corrective measures.
If you work in higher-risk places such as construction or machinery operation, check that your work is carried out in an environment that has all safety measures, as you may be more prone to a workplace accident. If you must carry heavy objects, try to adopt good posture and do not lift more than you can handle.
Remember that accidents at work may not only be the result of spontaneous events, they can also be damage associated with repetitive work and that especially affect your spine, neck, or extremities.
At Conexión Legal we offer free legal advice for cases of workplace accidents; contact us through this channel via the WhatsApp icon or Schedule your Consultation and explore the solution alternatives for your case.
What to do in a workplace accident?
If we take the appropriate measures, we can reduce the risk of suffering a workplace accident. In case they occur, you can follow these steps:
- Inform your employer as soon as possible.
- Go to the medical center in case of an emergency. If it is an injury derived from repetitive work, see a doctor and keep the evidence that proves it.
- Your employer must report the case to evaluate it and take the necessary measures.
- Depending on the type of injury, it must be determined whether you should be absent from work for a short time or if the severity of the injury requires a permanent disability. In this case you must receive compensation that will be determined by factors such as the degree of permanent disability after receiving the necessary medical treatment, salary, and age.
Remember that in case you require compensation, the company where you worked must comply with what was agreed, since you will not be able to work again, plus because you must take care of your health and seek the best way to recover from the injuries associated with the workplace accident.
In case you have any problems or the entities and people in charge do not assume their responsibilities regarding work compensation, what you should do is seek legal advice to have greater clarity on the process and the measures that should be taken, so that your case is resolved satisfactorily.
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