Warehouse Accidents

The U.S. has more than 7,000 warehouses that employ more than 145,000 workers. Lifting and moving merchandise takes its toll on many of these workers. Some become injured due to the repetition of daily tasks. Others suffer more serious injuries due to preventable mishaps.

Whatever the cause of harm, warehouse workers who are hurt on the job often face costly medical care and potential loss of livelihood. However, these expenses should be covered by Florida’s workers’ compensation program.

If you are facing problems with your own workers’ compensation claim, Frank M. Eidson, P.A., can help. It’s free to talk to an attorney with our firm. During your consultation, we can explain your rights and options as an injured worker. Get started by contacting us today.

How Common are Warehouse Accident Injuries?

Each year, the warehousing and storage industry experiences approximately 15,000 injuries and illnesses. Seven out of every 100 warehouse and storage workers suffer an on-the-job injury.

Research from the University of California-Davis indicates that 10-14 deaths occur per every 100,000 warehouse workers. That makes warehousing one of the top 100 deadliest jobs in the U.S.

Also, overexertion injuries—common among warehouse workers—are the leading cause of disabling injury, according to the Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index.

What Types of Accidents Can Occur in Warehouses?

The most common warehouse accidents are:

• Slips, trips, and falls
• Material handling accidents (such as dropped boxes and containers)
• Forklift accidents and other vehicle accidents
• Chemical spills
• Fires.

What Types of Injuries Do Warehouse Workers Suffer?

Warehouse work is physical in nature. It involves working at heights. It also requires the use of large, heavy, machinery such as forklifts. Injuries common to warehouse workers include:

• Ergonomic-related injuries (from lifting, reaching, pulling, and pushing)
• Back strain
• Pulled muscles
• Pinched nerves
• Sprains and strains
• Carpal tunnel
• Burns
• Death.

Why Do Warehouse Accidents Happen?

From a safety point of view, warehouses often receive short shrift compared to a company’s manufacturing sites and transport vehicles. Citations by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) reveal which warehouse accidents likely could have been prevented by a greater focus on safety. OSHA frequently issues citations for safety violations in warehouses that involve:

• Forklifts
• Electrical system design and wiring methods
• Protecting floor and wall openings and holes
• Respiratory protection
• Portable fire extinguishers
• Exits
• Lockout/tagout
• Hazard communication.

The fatigue and exhaustion that accompany the demands of warehouse production standards makes it all the more likely that unsafe conditions will lead to worker harm.

How Can a Florida Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help With Your Warehouse Accident Injury?

The process of seeking compensation through a Florida workers’ compensation claim is very different than seeking compensation through a lawsuit.

In one sense, workers’ compensation claims are simpler. They don’t require you to prove wrongdoing. However, they still present their own set of complications. Bureaucratic red tape abounds. Even a simple paperwork error could delay your recovery of benefits or lead to a denial of your claim.

With so much at stake, it is important to work with an attorney who has extensive experience with handling Orlando, Winter Park, and other central Florida workers’ compensation claims. For a free case review, contact Frank M. Eidson, P.A., today.

For More Information

• Fatal Occupational Injuries by Industry and Event or Exposure, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
• Survey of Occupational Injuries & Illnesses, BLS
• Warehousing and Storage (NAICS 493), BLS
• The Dangers of Modern Warehouses and How to Prevent Them, Storage Solutions, Inc.
• Warehouse Safety: It’s No Accident, Inbound Logistics
• Warehouse Workers, HealthDay