Palm Beach County Work Injury Lawyer
Those who work in construction, law enforcement, firefighting, commercial fishing, and other inherently dangerous industries generally understand the risks that their jobs entail. In fact, these risks are relatively obvious to everyone. By contrast, a seemingly boring office job is much safer and far less hazardous. But a safer environment is not a risk-free environment.
There are numerous dangers associated with office work that most of us fail to appreciate – until we suffer a workplace injury. Most Floridians are aware that workers’ compensation benefits are available when someone working in a hazardous industry is injured while on the job. However, many are unaware that these same benefits are available to office workers who sustain acute or chronic injuries while working in an office or other “low risk” job. Below, you’ll find information concerning some of the most common hazards that you are likely to face if you work at an office or desk job. If any of these scenarios are affecting you, please schedule a consultation today with a Palm Beach County work injury lawyer at Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt. Our team can help you to evaluate your legal options and to secure you any benefits you’re entitled to. Even if you’re unsure whether your injury makes you eligible to file a claim, our Palm Beach County work injury lawyer can help you sort out your options so that you can make an informed decision about what to do next.
Repetitive Stress Injuries
Working at a desk these days generally means working at a computer – all day, every day. While this is not physically tiresome or demanding work, it does put extra stress on certain parts of the body, especially hands and wrists. After years of typing away at a computer keyboard, it is somewhat common for desk workers to develop carpal tunnel syndrome or similar repetitive stress injuries.
Staring at a computer screen all day can also cause significant eye strain, leading to vision loss over time. This is particularly true if the rest of the office environment is poorly lit, making the computer screen even brighter by contrast.
Slips, Trips and Falls
A clean, well-organized office is a safe office. Unfortunately, many office environments don’t meet that description. In the world of cubicles and open floor plans, it is common for workers to run extension cords across heavily trafficked walking spaces. Many workers also opt to use rolling chairs as stepladders whenever they need to reach something high up. Predictably, the chairs roll away and the workers fall.
Finally, the choice of flooring can make a big difference. Area rugs or tile can make an office feel less boring, but they also pose slipping and tripping hazards. In most cases, a short-nap carpet is the safest flooring choice.
Breathing Environmental Toxins
Office environments these days are typically enclosed spaces with windows that don’t open to let fresh air in. And in an effort to reduce heating and cooling costs, offices tend to be very well insulated, making it less likely that air will circulate in and out of the building.
What this means practically is that any office product that produces a hazardous odor is more likely to hang around in the air. As a result, you are stuck inhaling the fumes from permanent markers, white out, printer toner and other chemicals. This is not a big deal in the short-term. But as with repetitive stress injuries, problems can accumulate over time.
Injured in the Office? Call Us to Discuss your Options.
These are just some of the numerous hazards that workers face in an office environment. While you are far less likely to suffer life-threatening or acute injuries, you can nonetheless suffer health problems and accidents at work. If and when that time comes, it is a good idea to contact an experienced Palm Beach County work injury lawyer to discuss your options for seeking benefits. Our Palm Beach County work injury lawyer team works with individuals who have been hurt on the job under a variety of circumstances – both ordinary and unusual. We look forward to learning more about your situation and about how we can be of assistance to you.
