Working in the hospitality industry can be rewarding, but it can also be dangerous. In fact, hundreds of thousands of hospitality workers suffer serious workplace injuries each and every year. Injured workers often need time off to recover too, which means losing income. Even missing a single day’s wage can make a significant difference in a person’s life.
Considering the 434,000 injuries that each led to seven or fewer days off work between 2016 and 2017, there are a lot of hospitality workers who are suffering both physically and financially. Another 175,000 injuries led to more than a week off work during that same period of time. Here are some of the most common causes of these hospitality injuries.
Slipping and falling hazards
Slips, trips and falls are the most common accidents in the hospitality industry, accounting for about 30% of all non-fatal injuries. Completely avoiding hazardous floors can be nearly impossible, as spilled drinks and loose carpeting are not all that uncommon. What matters is that employers quickly identify and address these hazards, and also take preventive action when possible.
While slipping and falling is dangerous, so are falling objects. Falling objects are the third most common cause of workplace injuries and can lead to a range of injuries. Some victims might suffer minor injuries like bruises or cuts while others might suffer more serious consequences, such as concussion or blindness.
Lifting and back injuries
Lifting or handling objects accounts for 22% of workplace injuries, making them the second most common cause. Lifting and handling accidents usually lead to muscle strains. Symptoms of muscle pain can include pain in your:
- Back
- Neck
- Arms
- Legs
It is possible to suffer a serious muscle strain after just one incident. However, you are more likely to suffer an injury if you frequently lift or handle heavy goods. Employers are supposed to provide proper safety training and necessary lifting apparatuses to workers who handle heavy items, but not all do.
Violence in the workplace
Hospitality workers interact with the public on a regular basis. Unfortunately, dealing with customers face to face puts you at a greater risk for violence, which often results in a wide range of injuries. Because violent situations can take a number of turns, narrowing down an exact list of related injuries is difficult.
Whether you fell on a slippery floor, were the victim of workplace violence or suffered any other type of on-the-job injury, you need help. In Indiana, workers’ compensation can provide that help with things like benefits for lost wages and medical care. Unfortunately, securing those benefits on your own is not always easy. Instead, you should be sure to work closely with an attorney who has experience helping victims with workplace injuries.
