Throughout the United States there are strict health and safety standards which employers in all types of professions must comply with. All of the guidelines have been designed with the safety of workers in mind, and were enacted to prevent dangerous and deadly accidents from occurring in the workplace. Small and large companies and corporations must provide all employees with a work environment which is free of harm and avoidable hazards. In addition to providing a safe work environment, employers are responsible for providing workers with proper training in regards to all work duties, safe machinery use, and the avoidance or work hazards. Many employers in South Carolina and the rest of the U.S. choose to disregard these safety guidelines, placing their workers at risk for serious injuries and fatalities. If you have been injured on the job in Columbia SC, contact one of our experienced South Carolina personal injury attorneys immediately.
In 2004 there were 110 work related fatalities in South Carolina, some of which could have been prevented if the victims' employers had not been negligent and careless.
Described below are a few dangerous, yet common, workplace accidents:
Electrocution - Electrical workers are at the highest risk for death by electrocution, employees in construction and non-construction fields are also at risk for electrocutions. If you use electricity and/or electrical devises at your place of employment, you may suffer from serious and even fatal injuries. Remember that only a small amount of electricity is needed to cause electrical burns, electric shock, and electrocution. It is very important to learn how to avoid electrical shock and electrocution no matter what line of work you are in.
Spinal Cord Injury - Approximately 11,000 people suffer from debilitating spinal cord injuries every year, some of which occur as the result of on the job accidents. Depending upon particulars of the accident, some injury victims may suffer from permanent disabilities and paralysis, while others may not. In most cases, is not typical for a spinal cord injury victim to return to the same level of functioning that he or she had prior to the injury.
Head Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury - Of the 2 million head injuries suffered each year in the United States, approximately 10% are the result of on the job injuries. Brain injuries may Brain injuries may affect many areas including cognition, problem-solving abilities, sensory, perception, motor abilities, language, attention, abstract thinking judgment, psychosocial behavior, physical functions, information processing, speech, and memory.
Recent United States work injury statistics:
- In 2004 there were 4 million non fatal work related injuries reported.
- About 249,000 workers suffered from occupational illnesses in 2004.
- In 2004 more than 5,700 people died in work place related accidents.
- In 2004 hearing loss accounted for more than 11% of work related illness.
- According to the National Safety Council approximately 3.7 million work related disabilities occurred in 2002 as the result of injuries taking place on the job.