Where there exists human activity, you can likely find the risk of personal injury. Hazards appear in industrial plants, offices, restaurants, shopping centers, apartments and hotels, to name a few places. Below are a few of these hazards that can give rise to injury claims.

Objects That Cause Slips and Falls

Slip and fall incidents cause an average of 12,000 fatalities a year, second only to motor vehicle crashes. One in four claims for injuries arise out of a slip or fall.

Liquids represent a significant culprit of slips and falls. Among the long list of liquid hazards are greases, oils, cleaning fluids, water and drinks. Workers, renters and shoppers may trip over or fall due to objects left on floors, unrepaired steps or rails, loose mats or rugs, uneven sidewalks and walkways, and wires left on the ground.

Heat Stress

Exposure to heat, especially on a prolonged basis, places workers at risk of heat exhaustion or heat strokes. The symptoms range from temporary nausea to more serious conditions, such as cognitive impairment, dizziness, seizures and unconsciousness. These impairments themselves afford a basis for compensation. Workers’ compensation attorneys, like those at the Greenman, Goldberg, Raby and Martinez Law Firm, also pursue claims when heat stroke or heat stress and the associated symptoms result in a fall or other work-related accident.

These heat-related accidents and problems can arise in work spaces that lack air flow, temperature control or methods to reduce humidity. Sufficient amounts and frequent hydration while working outside, especially for construction workers and other outdoor crews, can lower the chances of heat-related injuries.

Adulterated Food and Drink

Diners and residents of nursing homes and other places where food is served face hazards from unsanitary conditions. Failure of food service facilities and workers to properly refrigerate foods, cook foods at adequately high temperatures and mixing of raw meat with vegetables constitute some of the causes of food poisoning. Negligence cases against food service establishments may also arise from unclean dishes, equipment and kitchens. In some cases, a waiter or waitress might negligently pour a cleaning solution into a beverage glass and serve it to customers.

Lack of Lighting and Other Security Problems

Inadequate light can make potential hazards or dangerous conditions difficult to see. In some cases, darkness provides a fertile ground for criminal activity. An insufficient number of light poles results in dark parking lots at night. Within these settings, thieves can snatch customers’ purchases and bags. The darkness around establishments may allow robbers to invade stores and restaurants at closing time. Criminals may take advantage of the lack of security guards or controlled access through locks and security checkpoints.

To pursue claims based on criminal activity caused by lack of lighting or other security measures, you must show that the establishment acted unreasonably in not implementing the measures. This requires proof that criminal activity occurred with such frequency or severity as to put the property owner on notice that security is reasonably necessary.

Ergonomic Hazards

Back injuries, muscle strains and other injuries arise from poorly-designed equipment or work spaces. These ergonomic hazards may include work tables or registers situated too far from the worker’s seat, the lack of protective padding around sharp objects, tasks that require repetitive movements and the absence of aids to lifting or handling heavy objects. Loss of hearing may occur among workers exposed to loud machines and who do not have earplugs or earphones.

Avoiding injuries means you should exercise awareness of your surroundings and environment. The places where you work, eat and shop likewise share responsibility for eliminating these and other hazards. When unsafe conditions cause injuries, contact an attorney to pursue your personal injury law or workers’ compensation rights.

Author information: Anica Oaks is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.