Causes of Industrial Accidents

Industrial occupations create some of the most dangerous work conditions and can lead to life-altering accidents. When these accidents occur, they can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial consequences for the injured worker.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 5,190 fatal work injuries in the U.S. in 2016, a 7% increase over the prior year and the highest rate since 2008. There were also 2.9 million nonfatal workplace illnesses and injuries reported during the same period. 100 workers lost their lives in Alabama occupational injuries in 2016 alone.

Some of the industries that are most commonly impacted by industrial accidents include transportation, utilities, mining, manufacturing, oil and gas, agriculture, and construction. Numerous variables and factors can lead to a workplace accident, but there are several common causes of these life-changing events.

Overexertion

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that overexertion is the number one cause of workplace injuries. This refers to accidents related to bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, holding, crawling, kneeling, and reaching. According to Liberty Mutual Insurance’s Research Institute, these types of accidents cost businesses $15.1 billion in direct costs each year. If your job requires any sort of exertion, training in proper techniques is a must, or you are at risk of this type of injury.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Another leading cause of industrial accidents is slips, trips, and falls. These can often occur due to poor organization and housekeeping on a job site, where a carelessly left out tool or box creates a hazard. Spills that aren’t properly marked or quickly cleaned up can lead to dangerous slip and fall accidents.

Fatigue

Fatigue is a common cause of industrial accidents, particularly in the transportation industry where commercial drivers spend many hours and days on the road. A worker who is physically and mentally exhausted due to a heavy workload or too much overtime is more likely to make a mistake, causing injury to themselves and others.

Falling Objects

Falling objects can put workers in serious peril. Catastrophic workplace injuries can occur when improperly anchored objects fall onto workers, which accumulate significant force as they tumble to the ground.

Hazardous Materials

When work involves storing, moving, or using hazardous materials, there is a risk of injury and illness. These employers have a greater duty to ensure that the workplace is safe and that all employees are trained in the proper handling of materials and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Failure to do this could lead to serious industrial accidents.

Workplace Violence

Unfortunately, workplace violence has become a common cause of serious injuries at work. A participant or instigator of violence is likely to be terminated if not arrested. But, there are also the innocent bystanders to consider. Some workers become victims of violence who have done nothing wrong.

Repetitive Motion

Workers in manufacturing and other environments who perform repetitive tasks with their hands, arms, fingers, or legs are vulnerable to repetitive motion injuries. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common type of injury in these cases.

Lack of Training

Employers have an express duty to train their workers on safety protocols. Failing to do so, puts those workers and others on the job at significant risk of injury and even death. Even employees that have been on the job for many years will need refresher training on proper safety procedures to ensure that the strictest requirements are being followed.

Speak with an Experienced Alabama Workplace Accident Lawyer

If you have been the victim of an industrial accident, you could benefit from speaking with a qualified personal injury and workers compensation attorney. Insurance companies don’t remain in business by paying large settlements, and Chip Nix, Attorney at Law, can take the proper steps to protect your rights and legal interests.

Schedule a free consultation by calling our Montgomery office now at 334-279-7770 or reaching out to us online.