Virginia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Handling Workplace Hazard Injury Claims

According to the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry, the state of Virginia has a lower rate of workplace injuries and fatalities than other states. However, accidents and workplace hazard injuries still occur. In 2016, there were 42 fatal workplace injuries in the state, which represented a 35 percent increase from 2015.

When you work in Virginia, it is important to know that your employer has a duty to prevent accidents and injuries due to workplace hazards. To prevent workplace hazard injuries, an employer must understand safety risks and other hazards that might exist at the workplace, and then the employer must ensure that her place of employment is reasonably safe for employees. If you were injured in an on-the-job accident caused by a workplace hazard, you should learn more about your options for obtaining compensation. You may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, and a Virginia workplace hazard injury lawyer can speak with you today about your situation.

Types of Workplace Hazards in Virginia

What kinds of workplace hazards typically result in serious accidents and injuries on the job? According to a fact sheet from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), there are generally six categories of workplace hazards that exist and can result in serious injury or illness to employees:

• Safety hazards: these can include slipping or tripping hazards, fall-related risks such as poor or lacking scaffolding, unguarded machinery or defective machine parts, and electrical hazards such as improper wiring or frayed electrical cords.
• Biological hazards: employees can suffer serious injuries from workplace illnesses caused by bacteria, insect bites, mold, and other biological hazards.
• Physical hazards: in some situations, workers can sustain injuries at work without even coming into physical contact with the hazard. Examples of physical hazards include radiation, sunlight and ultraviolet rays, extreme temperatures, and loud noise.
• Ergonomic hazards: these can include any required work task that puts a strain on the body by requiring a worker to be in a particular position. Ergonomic hazards can lead to long-term disabilities, and they are often the source of repetitive motion injuries. Examples of workplace tasks that pose ergonomic hazards are, for example, required lifting or workstation chairs that are not properly adjusted.
• Chemical hazards: whenever an employee’s workplace requires contact with solid, liquid, or gas chemicals, injuries can occur. Examples of chemical hazards include cleaning products, paint, welding vapors, propane gases, flammable chemicals such as gasoline, and pesticides.
• Work organization hazards: even heavy workloads and psychological pressures can create workplace hazards. Work organization hazards can vary widely, from heavy workload demands and lack of respect at work to risks of workplace violence and sexual assault.

Seeking Advice from a Virginia Workplace Hazard Injury Attorney

Workers in Virginia should not have to worry about being exposed to unreasonable workplace hazards at their places of employment. However, when workplace hazards do lead to injuries, it is important to speak with a Virginia workplace hazard injury attorney who can tell you more about workers’ compensation benefits and other possible options for compensation. Contact Hampton Injury Law PLC for more information about the services the office provides to employees throughout the Hampton, Virginia area.