No one should be putting their health at risk every time they go to work. Sadly, for many people, it’s a shocking and rather painful reality. It’s easy to think environments such as building sites or factories with roles that require heavy machinery are more likely to have accident books bursting with injury and accident records. While in truth, working in a simple office space can be just as precarious.
It’s a startling truth that broken limbs, brain damage, spinal injuries, cuts and lacerations could be possible if the health and safety rules of your office are not met – if you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, speak to a Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss what happened. So where are employees most at risk?
Here we’ll reveal 5 areas in the office you’re likely to get hurt.
In the Parking lot
Believe it or not, but the risk to your health starts even before you reach the foyer. When a parking lot isn’t well maintained, is dark, is covered in potholes and dangerous debris then employees and visitors alike are at risk of tripping, falling and injuring themselves. If the parking lot has cracks and is uneven in places, then it’s the responsibility of the parking lot owner to make sure it’s safe or that users are adequately warned about the risks. If the parking lot is icy, then the owner should also be responsible for removing snow and ice that could lead to slips and falls.
In the Foyer
So, you’ve made it through the parking lot, now you’re in the foyer and heading up to your cubicle. Well, you’re not out of the woods yet. Foyers can be particularly treacherous if they’re not properly maintained and monitored by staff. A wet floor can cause serious bodily injuries if there are no signs to warn victims that they should exercise caution. Torn carpet or rugs can become caught under shoes and send employees to the ground.
The Stairwell
You’re taking the stairs today as a means to get fit. However, it could be risking your health even more! It’s not uncommon for people to stumble and trip down stairs, however, if those stairwells are poorly lit, have loose handrails or don’t have caution tape where appropriate, then you probably weren’t to blame for the accident.
In the Kitchen
You’ve had a rough morning already, so you decide to make a cup of coffee before you settle down to work. Bad news! Someone has spilled water all over the kitchen floor, or the fridge has leaked, and you’ve slipped and smashed your head on the kitchen counter. A communal works kitchen should always be well maintained and any safety issues should be highlighted to keep everyone safe.
The Store Cupboard
You need some more stationery from the store cupboard, it’s a simple task. However, those heavy boxes of files and equipment haven’t been stored properly and they’ve come crashing down on your head. Again, it’s the responsibility of your employer to keep you safe at work!
Final Thoughts…
If you’ve been injured in an accident that could have been avoided. Speak with a PI lawyer as soon as possible.