No matter how careful you are, there is always a chance that you could get hurt at work. This may be true whether you work in a factory, in a field or from your Wisconsin home. Fortunately, you can reduce your chances of getting hurt by staying vigilant while completing tasks and by taking training classes seriously.
Fatigue can impair your judgment
If you are mentally or physically tired, you may be less likely to respond to emergency situations in a timely manner. You may also be less likely to follow directions or operate machinery in a safe manner. Stress could make it harder to follow directions as you might be more focused on chest pain or a headache than you are on doing your job properly.
Make sure that you wear protective equipment
A lack of protective equipment can increase your risk of burning your eyes or skin. You may also be at a higher risk of breathing problems or infections if you come into contact with toxic chemicals or waste. Ideally, you will always wear gloves, goggles and clothing that covers as much of your body as possible when working with hazardous materials.
Human and animal attacks aren’t uncommon
Security breaches may happen despite the steps a company may take to keep unauthorized individuals away from an office building or construction site. In some cases, attacks are carried out by phone or by sending a package. If you have to travel to a private residence to conduct business, there is a chance that you could be bitten by a client’s pet. Animal bite injuries are relatively common among those who deliver mail or packages for a living.
If you are hurt at work, it may be possible to apply for workers’ comp benefits. Exceptions might apply in the event that you are an independent contractor or were impaired when an accident occurred. An attorney may be able to help you learn more about the workers’ compensation system and if you’re eligible to apply for financial assistance.
