Common Causes of Workplace Injuries in Dallas-Fort Worth – and How to Prevent Them
Every year, thousands of employees in Texas suffer injuries on the job. These injuries can result in costly medical bills, lost wages, and a lot of pain and suffering. Unfortunately, many local employers don't carry workers' compensation insurance.
As a non-subscriber workplace injury law firm, Armstrong Personal Injury Law helps injured employees explore their legal options and pursue the compensation they need to move forward after devastating workplace injuries. Before it comes to this, however, Warren Armstrong believes that workers should be informed and aware of some of the most common work injuries in Dallas-Fort Worth and know how to reduce their risk of experiencing a life-changing job-related injury.
1. Slip and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls are among the most frequent causes of workplace injuries, especially in jobs that require a lot of walking on different surfaces or navigating cluttered spaces. Some common hazards that contribute to slip and fall injuries include:
- Wet or recently waxed floors
- Loose mats or area rugs
- Uneven walking surfaces or unexpected drop-offs
- Debris and spills
- Icy walkways and parking lots
- Poor lighting
- Lack of handrails on stairs
To prevent these injuries, be aware of your surroundings. Wear proper footwear with good traction, clean up spills immediately, and keep walkways clear of cords, hoses, and other tripping hazards. Use caution when carrying heavy or bulky objects that obstruct your vision.
2. Overexertion
Overexertion injuries often occur due to lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, or carrying objects. These movements can strain muscles and tendons, resulting in pain and limited mobility. To protect your body:
- Stretch and warm up before engaging in physical tasks
- Use proper lifting techniques, bending at the knees and keeping the load close to your body
- Ask for help when moving heavy or awkward items
- Take breaks to rest tired muscles
- Maintain good posture throughout the day
If your job duties exceed your physical capabilities, speak up and request accommodations or ergonomic equipment to make your work safer and more comfortable.
3. Struck By/Against Objects
Blunt force trauma can happen if you're hit by a falling object, moving vehicle, or piece of equipment. You're also at risk of injuries like bruises, cuts, and broken bones if you bump into a door, cabinet, table, or another stationary object. Stay safe by:
- Keeping work areas tidy and free of unnecessary hazards
- Storing heavy items close to the ground
- Securing items that could topple over
- Wearing hard hats, safety goggles, and other protective gear
- Staying alert to moving machinery, vehicles, and flying debris
4. Falls From Heights
Falls from ladders, roofs, scaffolds, and other elevations are a leading cause of serious work-related injuries and deaths. Reduce your risk by:
- Inspecting ladders and scaffolds for wear and tear before use
- Maintaining 3-point contact (two feet and a hand) when climbing
- Avoiding carrying heavy loads up or down ladders
- Using tool belts to keep your hands free
- Being mindful of slick surfaces and windy conditions
- Utilizing fall protection systems whenever possible
Never substitute a chair, table, or box for a ladder or scaffold. Make sure you're using the right equipment for the job and following all safety protocols.
5. Repetitive Motion Injuries
Performing the same movements over and over can gradually damage your muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves over time. Repetitive motion injuries are common in both physical jobs and desk jobs. Reduce strain by:
- Paying attention to your body's warning signs like pain, numbness, and tingling
- Switching up tasks frequently throughout the day
- Using proper ergonomics at your computer workstation
- Stretching your hands, wrists, neck, and shoulders periodically
- Supporting your back with your chair or a small pillow
- Taking regular breaks to rest and recharge
Listen to your body and make adjustments as needed. Small changes in your daily routine can prevent a repetitive strain injury from becoming a chronic problem.
6. Burns
Thermal and chemical burns are common in industrial jobs but can happen in any work environment. Injury prevention is critical to avoid pain, disfigurement, and possible infection. Stay safe by:
- Keeping flammable and combustible materials away from heat sources
- Inspecting electrical cords for fraying and damage
- Unplugging appliances when not in use
- Wearing long sleeves and protective gloves when working with hot liquids
- Knowing the location of fire extinguishers and how to use them
- Following directions carefully when handling chemicals
- Washing your hands before and after chemical exposure
Never attempt electrical repairs unless you are qualified to do so. Report any concerning wires or outlets to your supervisor immediately.
7. Cuts and Lacerations
Sharp tools, exposed nails and screws, broken glass, box cutters, and utility knives can all cause painful cuts. Avoid these workplace injuries by:
- Keeping blades sharp; dull blades require more force and are more challenging to control
- Cutting away from your body, never towards it
- Wearing cut-resistant gloves when appropriate
- Using the right tool for the job
- Cleaning and storing tools properly after use
- Disposing of blades in a designated sharps container
- Keeping your tetanus vaccination up to date
Treat cuts immediately by cleaning the wound, applying firm pressure, and elevating it above heart level if possible. Seek medical care for deep or heavy bleeding cuts.
8. Inhalation Injuries
Employees in many industries are vulnerable to breathing in harmful dusts, fumes, gases, vapors, and chemicals. Minimize your risk by
- Using proper ventilation systems
- Wearing appropriate respirators or masks
- Knowing what substances you're working with and their dangers
- Participating in hazardous material training
- Following all safety protocols when working in confined spaces
- Never smoking or introducing ignition sources around hazardous vapors
If you develop symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, nausea, or lightheadedness, get to fresh air and immediately alert your supervisor. Some inhalation injuries can have delayed effects.
9. Vehicle-Related Injuries
People who drive for work, whether a delivery van or a forklift, are at increased risk of vehicle crashes and struck-by injuries. Drive defensively by:
- Always wearing your seat belt
- Obeying traffic laws and posted speed limits
- Avoiding distractions like cellphones
- Being extra cautious when backing up or navigating tight spaces
- Slowing down and increasing following distance in inclement weather
- Never driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Reporting any unsafe vehicle conditions to your employer
Your employer should ensure that all work vehicles are adequately maintained and employees are trained before getting behind the wheel.
10. Workplace Violence
Contrary to popular belief, most workplace violence is committed by employees, not intruders. Stay alert for warning signs like:
- Verbal outbursts or intense arguments
- Threatening notes, calls, emails, or social media posts
- Deliberately ignoring directives
- References to weapons or carrying a concealed weapon
- Substance abuse problems
- Signs of domestic issues spilling over into the workplace
Tell a supervisor or HR representative immediately if you feel unsafe at work. Every threat should be documented and investigated. In serious situations, your employer may need to take disciplinary action or even contact law enforcement.
Why Consulting a Dallas-Fort Worth Work Injury Attorney is the Smart Move
Injury prevention doesn’t always work, despite your best efforts. If you've been hurt while working for a non-subscriber employer, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure what to do next. You may face expensive medical bills, lost wages from missing work, and the uncertainty of navigating the legal system to get the compensation you deserve.
This is where consulting with an experienced Dallas-Fort Worth work injury attorney can make all the difference. Here's why seeking legal guidance is the smart move:
- Knowledge of non-subscriber laws. A skilled workplace injury lawyer will have in-depth knowledge of the unique laws that apply to non-subscriber cases in Texas.
- Proving negligence. An attorney can investigate your accident's circumstances, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.
- Advocating for your rights. Your attorney will stand up for your rights and fight against unfair treatment or retaliation.
- Maximizing your compensation. A knowledgeable work injury lawyer will know how to calculate the total value of your claim, including future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
- Peace of mind. You can focus on your health and recovery while your lawyer handles your legal case.
