Given the nature of home improvement stores, their employees see their fair share of workplace injuries.
Injuries sustained in the workplace are more common than one might think. And home improvement stores are no exception. In fact, given the nature of the work, these stores, in particular, see a fair share of workplace injuries.
So, what are some of the most common home improvement store injuries? And, more importantly, what causes them?
Sprains and Strains
This is the most common type of injury sustained in home improvement stores. They account for about a third of the injuries workers in home improvement stores sustain. And it’s easy to see why. After all, Home Improvement Stores are full of heavy objects that need to be lifted and carried. This puts a lot of strain on the muscles and joints, which can easily lead to sprains and strains.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
These are also quite common in home improvement stores. Slips and trips usually occur because of wet or oily floors, loose carpeting, or debris. On the other hand, falls often happen because ladders and scaffolding haven’t been properly set up or because employees are working in areas that aren’t well-lit.
Cuts and Bruises
Cuts and bruises are also fairly common in home improvement Stores. They usually happen when employees use power tools or sharp objects. And while they may not seem like serious injuries, they can be quite dangerous. That’s because cuts and bruises can easily become infected, especially if they’re not properly treated.
Falling Objects
Another common type of injury in home improvement stores is caused by falling objects. This can happen when employees work on shelves or in a stockroom, and boxes fall on them. It can also happen when tools or other objects fall off ladders or scaffolding. Either way, these injuries can be quite serious, often resulting in concussions, broken bones, or even death.
Chemical Injuries
Home improvement stores sell a variety of chemicals, many of which can cause serious burns if they come into contact with skin. These injuries usually happen when employees are working with cleaning products or paint thinners. They can also happen when chemicals are accidentally spilled on someone.
Electric Shock
Electric shock is another common type of injury in home improvement stores. This can happen when employees are working with electrical products or wiring. It can also happen if they come into contact with live wires or exposed outlets. Either way, electric shock can be very dangerous, often resulting in serious burns or even death.
Discuss Your Injury With an Experienced Workers Comp Lawyer
The aftermath of a workplace injury can be overwhelming, even if the injury itself isn’t serious. For one, you may be out of work for a while, leading to lost wages and piling up bills. You may also need to pay for medical treatment, which can be expensive. And then there’s the emotional toll that workplace injuries can take. Many injured workers feel angry, frustrated, and depressed after an accident. All of this is perfectly normal. However, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to go through it alone.
If you’ve been injured in a home improvement store or any other workplace, the experienced workers’ comp attorneys at The Law Office of James. M. Hoffman can help. We’re experienced in handling workers’ compensation claims, having been doing so for over 30 years. We can help answer your questions and explain your legal rights and options. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.