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Warehouses are a vital component in the supply chain. These locations handle large volumes of goods while also maintaining inventory for distribution. However, the fast-paced environment can be hazardous to some workers. This is particularly true when it comes to spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are among the most severe types of workplace injuries, often leading to life-altering consequences. There are several common causes of spinal cord injuries in warehouses here in Mississippi.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries in Warehouses
Warehouses, like other industrial sites, are locations where injuries occur frequently. Some of the warehouse accidents that result in spinal cord injuries include:
Slip and Fall Accidents
A leading cause of spinal cord injuries in warehouses is slip and fall or trip and fall accidents. These accidents are often a result of walking on slippery, wet, or uneven floor surfaces or having things protruding onto the walkways or by obstructed walkways. Inadequate lighting can also contribute to fall accidents occurring, particularly in situations where other hazards are present. Not being able to see a floor surface when walking can be extremely dangerous and lead to devastating accidents.
Additionally, climbing on elevated surfaces, whether by using stairs or a ladder, also leaves workers vulnerable to slipping, tripping, and falling.
Overexertion and Improper Lifting
Lifting and moving heavy objects can put a lot of stress on the back, which can lead to overexertion injuries that affect the spine. Additionally, bending at the waist instead of the knees when lifting can put added strain on the spinal cord and lead to injuries.
Falling Objects
In warehouses, items are often stored on high shelves. If these objects are secure, they can fall and strike workers and guests below, leading to serious head and spinal injuries. When items fall from extreme heights, they can exert significant force on a worker below, causing immediate and severe injuries.
Forklift Accidents
Forklifts are an important piece of equipment, especially when it comes to moving around large objects. Unfortunately, like other types of heavy equipment, there are some dangers associated with using these machines. Forklifts can tip over or crash into other vehicles or objects especially when visibility is obscured by the load on the forklift, which can lead to traumatic injuries to the spinal cord.
Workspace Designs
When equipment and workstations have poor ergonomic designs, repetitive strain injuries that can impact the spine may result. These injuries often result from prolonged awkward postures, repetitive motions, and excessive force, all of which can lead to chronic pain and long-term health issues.
Lack of Safety Training and Awareness
Comprehensive safety training programs help raise workers’ awareness of potential dangers. Additionally, they provide information regarding safe lifting practices and other safety measures to ensure workers can perform their job duties without injury. Without proper training or awareness, workers remain vulnerable to potential hazards and can injure guests in the warehouse.
Failure to Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Back braces, hard hats, safety harnesses, and other types of personal protective equipment play an essential role in protecting workers from spinal cord injuries in warehouses. When workers do not have adequate safety equipment, there is an increased risk of an accident leading to a severe spinal cord injury.
Your Rights after a Warehouse Injury
After incurring a spinal cord injury while working in a warehouse, you may have legal options. Whether you can seek workers’ compensation benefits or recover compensation by pursuing a personal injury claim depends on the accident’s circumstances and your relationship with a potential responsible party. It is best to seek legal advice immediately from a workers’ compensation attorney. Our team at Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman will review your case and determine the best options available to help you pursue the compensation and benefits you need for your injuries and more.
Contact Our Work Injury Lawyers Today
At Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman, we understand the challenges that individuals face after sustaining spinal cord injuries while working in warehouses. For this reason, we commit to fighting for injured workers so that they can receive the benefits they need and deserve during this difficult time. Contact our spinal cord injury lawyers today for a consultation to discuss your options.
