Workplace injuries are still a major concern in Nevada. Safety at work plays an important role in creating a productive and healthy work environment, yet injuries are common across all industries.
A recent report from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that there were 36,600 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in Nevada in 2023. A work injury claim in Las Vegas ensures injured workers get compensated for employer negligence.
In this article, we will take a closer look at how workplace injuries can happen and the importance of reporting these accidents.
Common Causes of Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries can happen in many different ways, but some causes are more frequent than others. These include:
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slippery floors, uneven surfaces, and poor lighting are some of the leading causes of workplace injuries. These incidents are common in places like warehouses and construction sites. For example, spills in a warehouse where things are jam-packed can lead to falls that cause serious injuries.
Lifting Heavy Objects and Repetitive Stress
Constantly lifting heavy objects, working in awkward positions for long hours, or doing repetitive motions often lead to musculoskeletal injuries. Workers in demanding roles, like construction and assembly lines, are vulnerable to these injuries.
Contact with Equipment
Not handling machines properly or working with malfunctioning tools and vehicles can lead to severe accidents. For instance, forklift failures in storage facilities and warehouses are common when safety protocols are not closely followed.
How Workplace Conditions Can Lead to Injuries
Workplace conditions play a significant role in the occurrence of injuries. When environments are unsafe or poorly managed, the risk of injuries significantly increases. Here is a closer look at how the work environment can lead to injuries:
Poor Training
Lack of proper training leaves workers unaware of safety protocols and the correct use of equipment. This can lead to mistakes that could be avoided, which result in injuries.
Inadequate Equipment
Faulty or missing safety gear like helmets, gloves, or harnesses exposes workers to unnecessary risks.
For example, a construction worker without a properly functioning harness is in greater danger when working at heights. If they don’t have helmets, the risk of getting serious injuries after falling doubles or even triples.
Stress and Fatigue
Long working hours or high-pressure environments can lead to reduced concentration and alertness. These factors increase the chances of errors, such as mishandling machinery or failing to notice hazards.
Negligent Practices
Overlooking and assuming safety guidelines can have serious consequences, which can lead to workplace injuries. For instance, when rushing tasks to meet deadlines, workers are more likely to use shortcuts that compromise their safety.
Highly Monotonous Work
Monotonous work where employees repeat the same tasks for long periods causes reduced alertness and people are more likely to operate on autopilot.
Workers may also become overconfident or end up ignoring safety protocols since they assume these tasks carry fewer risks. By being less attentive to their environment, workers may miss potential hazards that could lead to injuries.
Conclusion
Workplace injuries can happen in several ways. By understanding the common causes and the risks, employers can work to create a safe environment. Addressing these issues helps reduce the likelihood of these accidents.
