3 Hidden Threats to Workplace Safety

 Posted on June 15,2022 in Workplace Injury

No matter what line of work you are in, there is always the potential for a workplace injury. Whether you do your job sitting at a desk or on a construction site, no worksite is completely safe. While in Colorado, you do not need to prove that your employer was negligent in causing your injuries, a large percentage of workplace injuries could have been prevented by a more safety-minded employer. It is not always the conditions of the work site alone that lead to injuries. The true causes of workplace injuries are often much more difficult to spot than a stray live wire. If you were injured in the workplace, Workers’ Compensation is most likely available to you. An attorney can help you determine how best to pursue compensation. 

Common Safety Concerns in the Workplace

Some of the greatest dangers in the workplace are the hardest to notice. A few safety concerns you may be faced with in your workplace include: 

• Lack of training - If you are using any kind of potentially risky equipment or working in a hazardous environment, adequate training is everything. You should be taught how to safely use every piece of equipment you work with, as should your coworkers. Something as simple as a mechanical floor cleaner can become hazardous if you are not given clear instructions on how to control it or shut it off in case of an emergency. 

• No ergonomics - “Ergonomics” simply refers to making the objects humans are using designed to work naturally with the human body. An ergonomic keyboard, for example, would not cause a person to hold their wrists at an unnatural angle to type, which could lead to repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. This concept can be applied to almost every type of tool or equipment in the workplace, from hammers to forklift controls. 

• No emergency procedures - Do you know what you would do in the event of a foreseeable type of emergency that could happen in your workplace? If there is a fire or gas leak, how would you and your coworkers make a safe exit without trampling each other? If you work with chemicals or heavy equipment, do you know where to find an emergency shut-off switch? Good emergency procedures save lives. 

These types of dangers may not be immediately obvious, which is part of what makes them so dangerous. 

Call a Larimer County Workplace Injuries Attorney

If you were injured in an unsafe workplace, Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. may be able to help you recover compensation. Our dedicated Ft. Collins Workers’ Compensation lawyers will assess your case and help you determine the best course of action. Contact us at 970-225-2190 for a free consultation. 

Source: https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/osha3088.pdf