Though workplaces in Wisconsin and the rest of the U.S. are much safer than they used to be, they still pose hazards to workers. Accidents can happen, sometimes because of the inherent nature of the work but more often because of some mistake made by workers or employers. Below are 10 such mistakes.
Mistakes with ladders and machinery
Improper ladder use, when workers fail to steady a ladder, lean from it or climb too high on it, is one of the most common mistakes. There’s also the failure to keep machinery well-maintained and guarded. Workers are often injured as a result of the unpredictable behavior of machinery.
No visual communication, simple instructions or PPE
A third mistake is too little visual communication. Signs, lights and floor markings can avert an accident in noisy workplaces. Fourth, many employers will over-complicate their safety instructions, the natural result being that workers will bend or break them. On the other hand, rules can be so lax that no one bothers to clean or organize a facility, creating trip hazards in the process.
Sixth and seventh, workers may never receive the right personal protective equipment or the right tools for a job. The last three mistakes are to neglect safety education, treating it as optional; to fail to document near-misses; and to handle hazardous materials carelessly.
Legal representation for injured workers
Perhaps a violation of workplace safety regulations led to your injury. Even if you were at fault, you may still be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits, but you could face resistance from the employer. Filing a workers’ comp claim comes with a fair share of complexities, so it may be wise to have a lawyer by your side. If successful, you might be reimbursed for medical expenses and a portion of lost income.
