Workplace accidents are not uncommon in and around the Chicago area. However, industrial accidents that occur inside of factories often result in severe injuries that lead to significant time away from work for the victim. Here, we want to discuss the most common types of factory accidents that can occur as well as steps that individuals can take to recover the compensation they are entitled to in these situations.
How Common Are Factory Work Injuries?
When we examine data available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we can see that there were around 2.8 million non-fatal injuries and illnesses that occurred in workplaces throughout the country during the latest year of data on file. When we further examine this data, we see that manufacturing accounted for 15% of all private industry non-fatal workplace injuries or illnesses.
Most Common Factory Accidents
The number one priority at any workplace, particularly in factories where there are heightened worker dangers, is safety. Both federal and state safety regulators implement strict requirements on employers when it comes to worker safety measures. However, workplace accidents still occur. In factory environments, some of the most common causes of injuries include the following:
- Slips and falls. Slip and fall incidents can occur in any workplace, but they are more prevalent in manufacturing and factory types of jobs. Workers should be provided with non-slip footwear and training from their employer about how to avoid various types of slip and fall accidents. Additionally, all surfaces, including hard floors, stairways, and ledges, should not contain any type of fluids, dust, or powders that could lead to a slip and fall injury.
- Chemical burns and exposure. Chemical burns and exposure incidents can occur anytime chemicals in a factory are not properly contained or labeled. Every label should have the chemical’s name as well as warnings and handling procedures. Transportation of chemicals can also cause an injury, particularly if proper precautions are not taken.
- Falling objects. Anytime there are heavy objects above workers, this presents risks. Unfortunately, falling objects can lead to severe injuries, including crush injuries. All workers should be trained with regards to how to properly place and transport items at varying heights.
- Improper lifting or overexertion. Improper lifting and overexertion can lead to significant injuries, both acute traumatic injuries as well as repetitive motion injuries that affect a worker over longer periods of time. All employees should be given proper supportive equipment and trained about correct lifting techniques to avoid these injuries.
- Fatigue. Workers should be given proper rest breaks throughout their shift, and they should not be overworked to the point of unhealthy exhaustion. When workers in a factory become fatigued, safety standards can slip through the cracks and lead to significant accidents.
- Dehydration. Depending on the type of work that goes on inside of a factory, conditions can be harsh. Workers should receive proper nutrition and hydration regularly in order to ensure that they and continue to do their jobs safely.
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in the workplace and are struggling to recover the compensation you are entitled to, you need to work with a skilled Chicago workers comp attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can investigate what happened, negotiate with aggressive insurance carriers, and help you recover maximum compensation.