Causes of Workplace Injuries for Women

Most women face different challenges in the workplace despite incurring workplace fatalities overall. Men face lower risks of falls and fatal contact with equipment which makes them less prone to workplace injuries. Your workplace will have many inconspicuous safety hazards and they do have the potential to cause injuries to employees. This is why it is every employer’s job to ensure that the work environment is safe and that all safety hazards are either prevented or eliminated.

But it is equally important to keep in mind that all accidents cannot be avoided and there are times when employees do get injured on the job which can cause the business to lose time and money. Research has shown that women are more prone to workplace injuries than men and we discuss some of the most common injuries for women here.

Same-level falls:

Same-level falls can happen to anyone and at any time, which is why they are so common. Wet floors, loose wires, or something as simple as a drawer left open can lead to slip and trip. Such accidents account for a huge amount of compensation costs in the United States.

Overexertion:

An overexertion could happen while pulling, pushing, lifting, carrying, or holding objects and such injuries might not be fatal but they are very common and could cause pain. In order to prevent injuries due to overexertion, it is important to provide the employees with ergonomic equipment while also training them about the right safety precautions.

Falls:

Another very common cause of workplace injury for women is falling from a height. It could be a roof or ladder but a fall to a lower surface can lead to major injuries or even death. It is not as common as same-level falls but makes up a huge part of the total injury burden. New York City personal injury lawyers state that falls are the most common cause of workplace injury for women of all ages and across all organizations which is why it is important to protect employees from such accidents by providing them with the right equipment at all times.

Bodily reactions:

Exertions and bodily reactions rank fifth on the Workplace Safety Index and are caused when an individual is engaged in an excessive physical motion or a strenuous effort. It is often caused due to repetitive action and could happen with any kind of job.

Roadway and non-roadway accidents:

Vehicles like trucks to motorcycles can lead to an accident and it could involve the driver, pedestrian, or even a passenger. Such accidents often cause significant injury and could also lead to death. This category also includes injuries that happen off roadways like parking lots, factories, or a field.

Struck by equipment or object:

Getting struck by equipment or a falling object is a leading cause of death and no industry is immune from such an accident. Many women workers are often hit by flying pieces of machinery or equipment and it accounts for a huge cost in workers’ compensation costs.

Compressed by objects or equipment:

Such incidents are rare but they do happen. They usually involve an employee having a body part caught or crushed by a workplace object or equipment. It could be a worker being caught by moving machinery or even crushed between two objects.

Slip or trip:

When there is traction between an individual’s shoe and the walking surface, there are higher chances of slip and trips. It can also happen if there is an uneven surface or a change in the steps or flooring. The best way to avoid such injuries is through proper housekeeping. The manager must ensure that the floors are clean while the slippery surfaces are clearly marked. It is equally important to have uncluttered areas and well-lit floors to keep the employees safe.

Workers’ compensation:

A massive challenge that women face in the workplace today is when they claim the wage loss benefit. In most organizations, women are already paid lower than men and this means they would qualify for less wage loss benefits. It becomes damaging for women since they are more likely to be the primary caregivers for children.

It helps to understand the type of workplace accidents and learn to remain safe from them. If you are a woman and are having trouble securing the benefits, you will need to seek the help of a personal injury lawyer who will help you navigate through the issues and assist with the paperwork.

Despite taking all the precautions, there are times when injuries or accidents happen at the workplace and every business is susceptible to some common injuries. This is where workers’ compensation insurance makes all the difference. It will protect the business and the employees if an accident happens. The compensation provides coverage for wage replacement, medical treatment, death benefits, and vocational rehabilitation.