Most Tennessee residents don't worry about getting injured in the course of their daily tasks at work. However, our readers probably know that the reality is that many workers do, in fact, suffer injuries throughout the state each year. Workers in the construction industry are hard hit, as are others in "manual labor" types of jobs. But, they aren't alone. Many other workers can suffer repetitive stress injuries or might be exposed to toxins that make them ill.
Tennessee ranks fairly well in workplace safety
Tennessee tops many other states, including many of its neighbors, when it comes to workplace safety, according to a WalletHub report.
You were injured at work. What happens now?
Tennessee is home to many dangerous jobs, ranging from mining to construction. Unfortunately, those types of work come with higher chances of injury while on the clock.
Logging tops list of most dangerous jobs in the country
All workers in Tennessee face some risk, but the chances of being killed on the job are much higher in certain occupations than in others. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2014 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, logging is the most dangerous job in the United States. Some of the dangers that often lead to fatal logging accidents include rough terrain and falling branches.
Preventing workplace injuries in Tennessee
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are an estimated 3 million workplace injuries per year. Of those, roughly 1 million are serious enough to cause workers to miss time from their jobs. Many Tennessee employees get hurt through overexertion while on the job. It can lead to back and other muscle strains, and it can be avoided by learning proper lifting techniques and asking for help when necessary.
Numbers show that workplace safety still a large concern
Each year, some Tennessee workers are seriously injured or killed while at work. Workplace safety is a national concern. Despite advances that have been made with safety technology, injuries and deaths continue to happen at workplaces across the country.
No OSHA exemption for employees using drugs, alcohol
Based on a letter posted on the website of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in March, if an employee is injured at work while under the influence of alcohol, a Tennessee employer still must record the incident. OSHA allows an exemption for injuries that are self-inflicted, the result of self-medication or a result of grooming.
Sleep apnea may lead to work injuries
Tennessee workers who have sleep apnea might want to learn about a small study showing a link between having the disorder and an increased risk of suffering workplace accidents and injuries. The study, conducted in Canada with slightly more than 1,200 sleep disorder clinic patients, showed that people who have sleep apnea have double the risk of workplace injuries than those who don't.
Staying safe while operating cranes
While there are no state or federal safety standards as it relates to operating a crane, most operators on major construction projects in Tennessee and around the country receive formal training. Commonly, larger employers will ask that a crane operator has been certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators. However, it is possible that smaller operators do not have the same level of training, which could result in unsafe actions.
Preventing occupational skin diseases
Occupational skin disorders are among the most common health issues that workers in Tennessee and around the country will face. An average claim related to occupational skin disorders cost employers an average of $3,500. Average recovery time is 23.9 days, as has been reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Such disorders may occur gradually or suddenly, and they can be painful for those who suffer from them.
