Although there are many laws and regulations that are meant to prevent accidents in the workplace, worker injuries are still strikingly common in North Carolina. These injuries can — and often do — take a significant physical and emotional toll on workers, too. Here are two common contributors to workplace injuries.
Workplace fatigue
A worker who is pushed behind his or her reasonable limits is likely to end up either physically or mentally fatigued, and both types of fatigue contribute to workplace accidents. This is because a fatigued worker is not only less effective at his or her job, but might also suffer side effects that impact safety. Some symptoms of fatigue that are dangerous in the workplace include:
- Impaired judgment
- Slower reaction times
- Inability to focus on instructions or details
Workplace violence
Physical violence poses a risk to workers across all industries. Although the threat might come from co-workers, it is often the result of spouses, disgruntled former employees and even total strangers who end up causing harm. Some workers might even be at risk for injuries from animal bites, like those who work at veterinarian offices, pet stores or who deliver packages.
Suffering an on-the-job injury can be a life altering experience. Victims often need time off to focus on their health, which means losing out on paychecks while medical bills also pile up. Some victims are never able to return to their former positions, either. This is one of the reasons why North Carolina’s workers’ compensation system is so important, as it provides temporary benefits to those who are suffering from serious workplace injuries.