Attorney
Unfortunately, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as recently as 2008, 80,410 private-industry office and administrative workers suffered on-the-job injuries.
Some of these injuries included devastating ailments like spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and broken bones, which require extensive therapy and rehabilitation. This is why it is important for business owners to make sure that they have safe offices, making sure that any hidden dangers are spotted before an accident takes place.
Most office workers are injured because of falls and/or being struck by objects or equipment. Additionally, sometimes, over the course of time, injuries can occur because of ergonomic issues, as people develop conditions due to strain or repetitive tasks.
With this in mind, recently Safety and Health Magazine had a helpful guide highlighting how business owners could make their offices safer. Some of the tips the magazine reported included:
- Removing clutter that could contribute to falls
- Making sure all offices have clear lines of vision
- Posting signs about not standing on items like chairs or equipment
- Placing mats or skid-resistant surfaces around doorways
- Not stacking items or equipment
- Providing adjustable office equipment including chairs and desks
- Training ALL workers on how to use equipment
In addition to these tips, our Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. workplace accident attorneys recommend that business owners report every on-the-job injury to state or local authorities.
Additionally, business owners should have workers’ compensation (not health insurance) plans pay for any medical bills associated with work injuries. These are some of the best ways to affect changes to worksites and offices and increase safety.
Working With an Attorney Following a Workplace Accident to Make Your Office Safer
Remember, if you are injured on the job, you have certain legal rights—speak to our attorneys about both workers’ compensation and personal injury law. We can investigate your accident and determine who is responsible.
In some cases, in addition to collecting workers’ compensation, you may be able to file a third-party lawsuit, if another entity, in addition to your employer, helped contribute to your accident. This can occur if a dangerous product or piece of office equipment harms you.
In many cases, employees who are injured on the job are eligible for damages beyond what is included in a workers’ compensation claim. The best way to figure out how to move forward with your case is to speak to our attorneys.
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Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.
Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia Injury Attorneys