Workers in New Jersey know that safety on the job site is important. Avoiding dangerous situations is the best way to prevent long-lasting or life-threatening injuries. Although workers’ compensation can cover the costs of medical treatment for job-related injuries, preventing accidents from occurring is the safest option. By following a few simple tips, workers can avoid some of the most common workplace injuries.
Maintaining a workplace environment that is free from clutter and debris is a great way to prevent trips and falls. Regular cleaning and inspection can keep any potential tripping hazards from accumulating in areas of high foot traffic. Although this may seem like a minor safety consideration, falls caused by accidents such as tripping are responsible for billions of dollars in medical bills each year.
Ensuring that all tools and equipment are in proper working order is another good way to cut down on workplace injuries. Damaged or improperly maintained tools are far more likely to cause an injury than properly functioning equipment. This same principle applies to other areas in a job site that are likely to cause injuries, such as stairwells and ladders. These should be regularly cleaned, inspected and repaired to make sure that they will not increase the chances of an accident.
Workers who are injured while on the job are entitled to disability benefits and workers’ compensation. These benefits are intended to pay for the entirety of any medical bills associated with a job-related injury. An attorney may be able to help a client with the filing process for workers’ compensation. If a worker feels that he or she has not received their full benefits, an attorney may be able to advise them on the best course of legal action.
Source: EHS Today, “Preventing the Top 5 Workplace Injuries“, Langdon Dement, December 12, 2014