You Likely Face More Hazards at Work than You Think
It is common for people to have concerns about their well-being while at work. You may work in the construction industry and understand that you face numerous hazards every day, or you may work in an office and not realize the harm your body could still suffer. Unfortunately, almost all occupations present some type of health and safety risk.
If you end up suffering an injury or illness that stems from your work-related activities, you may wonder what that will mean for you financially. In some cases, a serious illness or injury may prevent you from working for a period of time or may result in your life overall becoming more difficult. Fortunately, workers’ compensation may be able to help.
What Types of Hazards Do You Face?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration works to ensure that individuals work in safe and health-conscious conditions. Over the years, OSHA has determined five categories into which work-related hazards could fall, and those categories include the following:
Safety hazards could result in workers receiving injury on the job due to a substance, condition or object, such as spills or machinery.
Physical hazards could put workers at risk, such as working in extreme weather conditions or exposure to radiation or loud noises.
Chemical hazards like vapors, gases, particulate material, fumes and others could result in harm to workers.
Ergonomic hazards like repetitive work and working in certain positions could put strain on the body, which could lead to musculoskeletal disorders.
Biological hazards like infectious materials, animal waste, fungi, mold and others could lead to serious health issues.
These five categories encompass far more specific hazards than the few examples given here. As a result, you may face a far more significant risk of injury or illness due to your occupation than you initially realized.
What Can You Do After Suffering an Illness or Injury?
If you find yourself injured or ill as a result of a work-related accident or due to your working conditions, you may understandably have many questions about how to handle your situation. Of course, seeking medical attention right away is of the utmost importance. Afterward, you may want to consider gaining information on how workers’ compensation benefits may apply to your ordeal. Because these benefits are not always easy to obtain, you may wish to speak with a Pennsylvania attorney for assistance.