Most Common Workplace Injuries in North Carolina

Workplace injuries can occur in the blink of an eye. Over 71,000 non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses a year are on record for private North Carolina employers, per data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is in addition to nearly 200 fatal accidents and illnesses. An accident that happened in seconds can leave you facing consequences for months, or even years. Some long-term consequences you could face as a result of a workplace injury include medical bills, increased insurance rates, lost wages due to an inability to work, and missed employment opportunities.

Issues such as these can plague you long after the accident that caused your injury. Many workplace accidents happen as a result of relatively minor issues. To avoid lasting negative effects on your life, be sure to remain on the lookout for common causes of workplace accidents.

If you’ve incurred injuries in an accident at work, consider discussing your rights with a workplace injury lawyer. If your injury occurred over the course of your normal duties, you may be entitled to compensation. An attorney at Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys will tell you how the law applies to your circumstances. To schedule a free, initial case evaluation, contact us today at (980) 237-4579.

Common Causes of Workplace Injuries

Nearly one in 100 North Carolina workers suffered an injury or illness that caused them to miss work in 2016. Certain kinds of injuries appear more often than others in a workplace. Below, we explore some of the most common causes of getting hurt on the job in North Carolina:

Overexertion
You may be in danger of an overexertion injury if your job requires lifting, pulling, pushing, or other physical force. While performing your duties, one of your joints may be forced beyond its normal range of motion. This can result in a tear, strain, or other type of injury. Overexertion is common in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and other jobs that typically require manual labor.

Trip and Fall
It may seem simple, but workers are frequently injured by slipping or tripping and falling. Trips and falls have accounted for 15 percent of all workplace fatalities in North Carolina. You may be particularly susceptible to a slip and fall if you work in a grocery store or restaurant. The increased volume of fluids in such establishments makes it more likely that someone will slip. Additionally, you should be on the lookout for potential slip and fall hazards if you work in a consistently cold climate. Snow and ice can build up around your place of employment, increasing the likelihood of a fall that causes injury.

Physical Reaction
Injuries can occur at work as a result of your co-worker reacting to something that happens. Imagine someone at work drops something near your colleague. As they jump back to avoid the falling object, they could knock you over and injure you. You can still suffer from a workplace injury without being directly involved in the accident or unexpected occurrence.

Object Collision
Few work areas exist that don’t carry the potential for an object-caused injury. You can suffer significant injuries as a result of something tipping over, or falling off of a shelf and hitting you. Of the fatal workplace accidents in North Carolina, 12 percent are caused by contact with equipment or other objects. You should take careful note of how inventory and equipment are stored to avoid unnecessary complications.

Exposure to Dangerous Chemicals
You’re at increased risk of a workplace injury if your job puts you in close contact with dangerous chemicals. These can be found in certain cleaning agents, as well as various building materials. Over one-third of workplace illnesses reported in North Carolina were skin disorders, respiratory ailments, and hearing loss. Your risk of both skin and respiratory damage increases with chemical exposure.

Machinery
Improperly operated machinery can cause serious, sometimes fatal, injuries. Accidents are also frequently the result of machinery that has been improperly maintained or repaired. If you work for a company that uses vehicles, for construction, shipping and delivery, or transportation, you face the additional injury risk posed by the operation of those machines.

A Lawyer Can Help If You’ve Been Injured at Work

To find out what your options are after suffering from workplace injuries in North Carolina, contact Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys. One of our experienced injury lawyers will be able to explain your situation, including whether your potential for receiving compensation. Getting hurt at work can add tremendous stress to your life. Call (980) 237-4579 or reach out via our online form to schedule your free consultation today.