Missouri employers should always do their best to make every workplace as safe as possible. Unfortunately, workplace accidents can still occur anywhere at any time. Here are two of the most common contributors to workplace accidents, and why they are difficult to completely avoid.
Transportation accidents
Workers who drive for a living, have to travel between different worksites or who work on roadside construction sites are particularly vulnerable to transportation injuries. While a transportation worker might exercise caution behind the wheel or a construction worker might put up signs and cones, there is truly nothing that can stop a negligent driver. Injuries associated with transportation include a worker:
- Being hit or run over
- Falling out of an unsafe vehicle
- Being crushed by an overturned vehicle
Trip-and-fall accidents
Trips or falls are the most common type of workplace accident. Wet surfaces, poor lighting, uneven flooring and even cluttered walkways can all cause workers to fall and injure themselves. Injuries most associated with these types of accidents include:
- Head injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Cuts
While some employers provide adequate safety training and protective gear to workers, it is not always enough to prevent the injuries associated with serious workplace accidents. Transportation and fall-related accidents can easily put even the most cautious person out of work. Recovering from a work-related injury can be tricky too, especially when medical bills start piling up on top of lost wages. One way victims can address this financial gap is to pursue benefits through Missouri’s workers’ compensation system.
