Minnesota employers are generally required to take steps to provide their employees with a safe working environment. However, despite a company’s best efforts, there is still a chance that you could sustain an injury while on the job. If you work in the manufacturing sector, you are most likely to experience muscle strains, lacerations or general soreness.
The common causes of manufacturing workplace injuries
According to a study conducted by the National Safety Council (NSC), contact with other objects is the most common cause of workplace injuries in the manufacturing industry. Other common reasons for trauma include overexertion, falls from heights and exposure to toxic substances.
How to avoid getting hurt at work
Ideally, your employer will offer personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, face shields and earplugs. Furthermore, you should have access to tools that will make it easier to lift heavy objects without hurting your back, legs or other body parts.
You should also be on the lookout for any hazards that you might experience while on the job. For instance, if you see that the floor is wet, it’s a good idea to dry it. At a minimum, you should post a sign alerting others to the potential hazard until someone else is able to remedy the situation.
Always seek treatment for your injuries
If you are injured at work, it’s important to seek treatment as quickly as possible. This may minimize the long-term damage that a concussion, brain bleed or other injury might cause. Furthermore, it can make it easier to prove that a workplace accident was the cause of a broken bone, muscle strain or chemical burn. This will likely be important when it comes time for the state to review your workers’ compensation claim.
An attorney may be able to help you obtain compensation for a workplace injury in a timely manner. Depending on the facts of your case, it may also be possible to file a personal injury case against your employer.
