Common Work Injuries in New Jersey
Hardworking individuals in New Jersey should not be put at risk of serious work injuries due to negligence, or the failure of an employer or co-worker to behave with reasonable care. Unfortunately, in 2023, employers in New Jersey reported 66,800 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses. Recognizing the most common work injuries could keep you safe. Make sure to speak with a personal injury lawyer in New Jersey for legal guidance if involved in a workplace accident.
Transportation Accidents
Jobs that involve driving, such as delivery services and commercial trucking, come with a risk of motor vehicle accidents. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that transportation accidents were the most frequent type of fatal work event in 2023, accounting for 36.8 percent of all worker deaths. These accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, including whiplash, spinal cord injuries and internal injuries.
Fall-Related Injuries
Slip and fall accidents are a highly common type of workplace accident in New Jersey and around the country. They can be caused by dangerous conditions such as uneven or wet floors, as well as inadequate lighting and clutter.
Being involved in a slip or trip and fall accident in the workplace could lead to various injuries:
- Soft-tissue damage
- Back injuries and disk herniation
- Muscle sprains and strains
- Broken bones
- A fractured hip
- Head and traumatic brain injuries
Sadly, many falls are fatal – especially falls from heights. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, falls are responsible for the highest number of worker deaths in the construction industry. A construction injury lawyer in Hackensack is here for you.
Equipment and Machinery Injuries
Many workplaces in New Jersey involve the use of dangerous equipment and heavy machinery. Safety violations, equipment defects and malfunctions, and missing machine guards can lead to serious accidents and injuries involving contact with equipment. This can include severe lacerations, crush injuries and amputations from limbs being pulled into the machine.
Repetitive Motion or Overexertion
Not all work injuries are related to abrupt or traumatic accidents; some arise over time due to repetitive movements or overexertion in the workplace. This is especially common at jobs involving frequent lifting or twisting. These activities can lead to pulled muscles, back injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, nerve damage and hernias.
Struck-By Objections
Falling objects in the workplace can strike workers and cause serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and permanent brain damage. These incidents can be prevented with the proper securement of tools and building materials at heights, as well as mandatory helmets in high-risk work locations.
Burns and Electrocutions
Contact with dangerous elements in the workplace can lead to serious worker injuries, especially if the worker is not correctly equipped or prepared for the hazard. A worker could suffer thermal, chemical, electrical or radiation burns from exposure to various items or pieces of equipment. Electrical shocks and electrocution are also possible.
Exposure to Harmful Substances
Many workplaces in New Jersey contain harmful, hazardous and dangerous substances. A common example is asbestos, which is present in many building and construction materials. Workers in these environments have the right to expect proper safety protocols and personal protective equipment to prevent harmful exposure incidents and related illnesses.
If you suffer a work injury in New Jersey, discuss your legal rights with a helpful and experienced personal injury attorney. A work injury lawyer in Union City can help you take the correct steps forward.