Three Common Types of Office Workplace Accidents
There are many different types of jobs that are inherently dangerous, such as construction and warehouse work. Other types of jobs, including those in office spaces, are not considered quite as dangerous. Still, administrative work poses some dangers that can result in very serious injuries. Like workers employed in the construction and manufacturing sectors, office workers can also file a workers’ compensation claim when they become hurt on the job. The three most common types of office workplace accidents that result in workers’ comp claims are outlined below.
Repetitive Use Injuries
Many employment duties in office settings require repetitive use of a certain part of the body. The most common of these, of course, is typing on a keyboard for many hours. Unlike other types of injuries, repetitive use injuries do not happen suddenly but instead, they happen over a long period of time.
Carpal tunnel, which occurs when the median nerve at the carpal tunnel in the wrist is compressed, is the most common repetitive use injury. However, any part of the body can suffer a repetitive use injury when placed under continuous strain. Frequent lifting and bending, for example, can also result in a repetitive use injury.
Slip and Falls
Slip and falls are another common type of accident that happens in office environments, and in most other workplaces, too. Office workers can slip on wet surfaces, such as a spill in the break room. Or, an office worker may fall from a broken stepladder when reaching up to a shelf for a box of office supplies. Offices also rely largely on a number of different cords and wires and office workers may trip over these, suffering a serious injury when they do.
The most serious types of injuries caused by slip and falls in office spaces include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions
- Lacerations
- Whiplash
- Sprained and dislocated joints
Lacerations
While minor paper cuts are not likely to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, there are many other types of serious lacerations office workers may suffer. For example, an office worker may suffer a serious laceration when using a box cutter to open office supplies. Or, an office worker may use an industrial paper cutter to slice flyers and suffer a deep laceration. These serious cuts can result in reduced mobility, scarring, and infections. Generally speaking, any injury that requires more extensive treatment than basic first aid qualifies for workers’ compensation benefits.
Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Carbon County Can Help You Claim Benefits
While office work may not seem like the most dangerous of industries, employees still face many risks on the job. If you have been hurt and need to file a claim, or your claim has been denied by your employer or the insurance company, you need legal help. At The Law Office of Kim M. Gillen, P.C., our Carbon County workers’ compensation lawyer can advise you of your options and help you navigate the process so you obtain the best possible outcome. Call us today at 484-613-0011 or contact us online to request a consultation with our experienced attorney.
Source:
dli.pa.gov/Individuals/Workers-Compensation/publications/Pages/WC Act/WC-Act-Landing-Page.aspx
