The United States economy has seen exponential growth in the past few decades. Consumer-based industries have contributed to the increasing need for warehouses and workers. This increased demand is seen in the manufacturing, and industrial sectors as warehouses and other storage options play a key role in the distribution chain. Operational warehouses create employment opportunities. However, they are also associated with a higher risk of injuries. Some of the common hazards that could cause injuries to workers include heavy equipment, falls, falling objects in the warehouse, exposure to toxic substances, and fires or explosions. Our Florida work injury lawyers offer a helpful infographic with what you need to know about the five most common injuries and what are your rights after suffering an on-the-job injury.
1. Injuries caused by heavy equipment accidents
Forklifts and other heavy equipment types are the leading cause of severe injuries or even deaths in warehouses. Heavy warehouse equipment can cause injuries during the loading and unloading of items. Employees can even be run over or hit, fall while on the elevated pallet, or fall between the trailer and the lift. Such accidents are more common because of crowded warehouses, unsafe working environments, and poor training.
2. Trips, slips & falls
It’s common to encounter wet or slippery floors in warehouses. There may also be uneven flooring surfaces. With excess inventory, containers, pallets, and accumulation debris, tripping accidents are common. Other issues that could increase the frequency of trips and slips include grease, cords, or factory residue where workers usually walk through.
3. Exposure to toxic substances
Sometimes, it’s necessary to work with volatile and hazardous chemicals, particularly if handling a critical part of the production process. Unexpected spills of these chemicals are difficult to prevent, and there is a high chance for warehouse workers to be exposed to these dangerous spills.
4. Being hit by falling items
In a warehouse, most items are stacked on shelves. As employees move around during their daily routines, there is a risk of these objects falling at some point. Issues such as human error, improperly-kept objects, improper operations setup, and carelessness could also result in injuries caused by falling objects.
5. Machine entanglement
This is a dangerous workplace accident that can result in severe injuries or even death. Machine entanglement accidents occur when an employee gets caught in or compressed by warehouse or factory equipment.
What are your rights when injured on-the-job in Florida?
To protect your rights after suffering warehouse injuries, report the incident to your employer, seek medical attention, and contact an attorney. Remember, workers’ compensation laws vary from state to state. Your attorney can help you figure out the specific laws that apply to your case, determine the value of your claim, and protect your legal rights such as:
- The right to seek compensation for the damages you suffered.
- The right to reliable medical attention.
- The right to return to work upon full recovery.
- If you’re unable to return to work after the accident, you have the right to disability compensation.
- The right to appeal your employer’s decision if you firmly disagree with their views, insurers, or workers’ compensation court.
- Right to be represented by an attorney during the entire process.
Protect Your Rights With A Florida Work Injury Lawyer From Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A.
Getting injured in a warehouse is scary. However, Florida law allows you to seek compensation for damages you sustain while on-the-job. Protect your legal rights to compensation with the help of an experienced Florida work injury lawyer from Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A. Call 561-220-4958 for a free consultation today.
