Considering that most people spend about 9 hours in or around the working premises (not including the transportation or commuting time it takes to get there), it’s no wonder that out of all the accidents that happen, a good percentage of them happen in the workplace. Some professions are more prone to unfortunate incidents than others, and certain accidents happen more in certain industrial fields than in others, but accidents happen everywhere.
When we mean everywhere, we do mean everywhere; it’s true that a chef in a kitchen or a construction worker on site stands more chance to get injured than an office worker, but it should be noted that slips or trips (which could happen anywhere) constitute about 40% of all workplace accidents. Here’s a look at the most common accidents and injuries that occur in the workplace.
The most common accidents
Accidents come in many forms, but here are some of the most common ones (regardless of industry or specific profession):
- Slips and trips
- Electrical burns or accidents due to faulty wiring or electronic malfunctions, as confirmed by an experienced burn injury lawyer
- Sprains or serious injury due to lifting or handling of materials or equipment
- Accidents on the road or other traffic-prone areas, even within the workplace
The most common injuries
These common accidents also cause common injuries, such as:
- Sprains
- Broken bones
- Back injuries
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
Accidents according to sector
Certain sectors and industries have inherently more risk for injury and accidents than others. The construction industry, for example, is naturally more dangerous than the ordinary office. Certain injuries or accidents also occur more frequently depending on the sector or industry, such as burns due to dangerous chemicals or back sprains due to heavy lifting.
The law
According to UK law, the employer is supposed to do everything they can to prevent accidents and injuries, by giving the employee all the equipment and training necessary to perform their duties in a safe manner. If the employer fails, they might be legally liable.
If you have ever been a victim of such an accident – and have experienced an injury through no fault of your own (through the negligence or mistake of a third party), then you may be entitled to a work injury compensation claim. Not only will it enable you to cope with your injuries in a better way; it also ensures that those who are responsible are held accountable, and that further injuries to others are prevented. If you are a victim of an injury due to an accident at the workplace, seek medical and legal assistance right away.