Did you know that about 24% of the 2.8 million traumatic brain injuries (TMIs) people suffer in the US annually occur in the workplace?
While not all of these brain injuries may be prevented, many can be. But we can’t do that unless we know what causes them. So, let’s look at some of the most common causes of concussions and other brain injuries in the workplace and what we may do to prevent them.
Workplace Brain Injuries – The Four Most Common Causes
The most common causes of workplace brain injuries in Nevada (and elsewhere) include:
1. Falls, Slips, Trips
Slips, falls, and trips are among the top three causes of workplace injuries. These can involve slipping, falling on the same level, or falling from a height. The exact nature and severity of injuries can vary, but such workplace accidents often cause TMIs, concussions being the most prevalent. They can sometimes even be fatal.
Slips and falls most often happen due to wet/slippery surfaces, cluttered floors and walkways, loose floorboards, loss of balance, and the collapse of a heightened structure or platform.
2. Struck in the Head
People often suffer head and brain injuries at work when they are hit by falling, flying, rolling, moving, or swinging objects. They also happen when workers accidentally bump their heads into something. Such injuries can be caused by a stand-alone accident or by slips, trips, and falls.
3. Motor Vehicle Accidents
Those who spend considerable time behind the wheel for their work are at a high risk of brain injuries from vehicular accidents. These include commercial drivers, salespeople, home healthcare providers, and delivery workers.
4. Explosions
Those working in industries that deal with harsh chemicals, oilfield workers, and miners may be struck with debris or thrown off their feet in explosion incidents and suffer traumatic brain injuries. Workplace explosions can also be fatal.
Brain Injuries Are Covered by Workers Compensation in Nevada
The high prevalence of brain injuries in workplaces indicates how unsafe our working environments are. While some occupations are inherently high-risk, making them impossible to eliminate the risk of (brain) injuries, their likelihood can be greatly reduced with the right safety measures.
If you are an employer, you must take measures for your employees’ safety and well-being in the workplace. It’s one of the most basic employee rights, and your failure to fulfill it can lead to OSHA inspections, liability claims, and lawsuits.
If you are an employee who has suffered a brain injury due to a workplace accident, you’re liable for workers’ compensation under Nevada law. Ideally, your employer must assist you in filing an insurance claim with the company’s provider. But if they are not helping you get the coverage, get in touch with us to have an experienced Nevada brain injury lawyer help you file a liability claim or lawsuit against your employer.
Dial 1-800-870-8910 today to book a free legal consultation with us!
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