In California and across the country, there were more than 5,000 fatalities as a result of on-the-job accidents in 2017. The risk of workplace injuries is higher with certain jobs than others. Of course, it is possible to suffer injury in any line of work, which is why employers should always put safety first and fulfill their obligation to provide proper training and safety equipment as needed.
A National Safety Council representative stated that fatal on-the-job accidents typically have one of three characteristics in common. First, injuries often occur on job sites where workers must climb to great heights to carry out their duties. Second, working on or near heavy machinery increases the risk of injury as well. Finally, workers who have to drive a lot during a typical work day are among those at greatest risk for on-the-job accidents.
Generally speaking, motor vehicle accidents in the workplace do not happen often. However, when a collision does occur, the results are often fatal or leave a worker with serious injuries. A Bureau of Labor Statistics report also noted that fatal drug overdoses at work have increased 25% annually for five consecutive years.
When California workplace injuries occur, the affected worker must notify the employer that an accident has occurred. It is also important to seek medical attention, which not only helps an injured worker obtain treatment but also creates a written record of the incident. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can provide legal support as needed when an injured worker wants to file a claim to collect benefits.
