Workplace injuries that could ruin your business

Workplace injuries can doom a business. Here’s a look at common injuries that occur in the workplace and how businesses can protect against them.

• Slip and fall
• Muscle strains
• Being hit by objects
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Crashes and collisions
• Cuts and Lacerations
• Inhaling tox fumes
• Exposure to loud noises
• Walking into objects
• Workplace fights

When an employee files for worker’s compensation, they lose the right to sue their employer for damages due to pain and suffering. These claims don’t require proof of fault. However, there are instances when an employee can file a personal injury claim.

• Injuries caused by employers
  An employer who chooses not to comply with health and safety laws exposes their business to liability in the event of a workplace accident. COVID-19 is a good example. Providing your staff with masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and clear protocols ensure you better protection if an employee files a claim against your business.
• Toxic injuries
  Employees who are injured while working with toxic chemicals can file a lawsuit against their employer because of Toxic Tort Laws. Toxic Torts Lawrefers to exposure to harmful These claims cover the following:
  • Exposure at work
    Exposure to chemicals at home. Common cases often site exposure to mold, mildew, fungus and formaldehyde-treated materials like wood or carpet.
  • Environmental exposure where people ingest toxins such as lead poisoning from drinking water.
  • Pharmaceutical drugs, where persons suffer from unintended side-effects
  • Consumer products, where consumers are injured or damaged by-products with hazardous materials.

• Manufacturing injuries
  These cases refer to injuries caused by materials used to manufacture products. If an employer makes the tools used in the manufacturing process, than the employee could file a defective product lawsuit.

• Contractor injuries
  If you hire a contractor to do a job, and that individual is injured working for you, they don’t qualify for worker’s compensation. They can file a personal injury claim.

To protect against such claims, make sure you do the following:

• Follow all local, state and federal health and safety guidelines.
• Invest in worker’s compensation insurance.
• Educate your employees about safety in the workplace and provide ongoing safety training to ensure they’re protected.
• Know your state worker compensation laws.

Resources: Worker’s compensation laws by state.