A Charlotte workplace accident can result in physical injuries, ranging from minor cuts to severe injuries. It can, therefore, have a lasting impact on your physical and emotional well-being. If you have been in your place of work, you must visit a doctor as soon as possible to prevent future injury.
It is in your best interest to seek medical attention after a workplace accident in Charlotte. Getting the best treatment is good for your health and recovery. It can also help maximize your workers’ compensation benefits. Your doctor will ensure you understand what type of injury you have suffered and create a treatment plan for you.
Looking for the best healthcare professionals to treat your work-related injuries in Charlotte, NC? At Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology, we have the experience and expertise to diagnose and treat conditions and injuries. We provide personalized treatment plans. We will make sure you receive the best treatment.
Contact us today at 704-412-3045 to schedule an appointment with our knowledgeable healthcare professionals.
Charlotte Workplace Accident Statistics
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 183 occupational fatalities in 2017 across the state of North Carolina. This means there was an increase in the number of work-related deaths from 2009 to 2018. The number was, however, lower in 2017. And the number was lowest in 2017.
What Are Common Types of Workplace Accidents?
A workplace accident is an unforeseen event in the place of work that leads to physical injury, illness, or even death. The accident occurs when an employee is performing their normal job duties. It is crucial to understand the different types of workplace accidents.
Slip and Fall Accidents
They are common in most workplaces. Poor lighting, wet floors, obstacles, and even uneven surfaces can cause slip and fall accidents in a workplace. For example, you can slip and fall on a wet floor. These accidents can lead to severe injuries, including fractures and head injuries.
Equipment Accidents
Equipment, such as tools and machinery, can cause equipment accidents. Employees must be properly trained to operate any equipment on the job site. If they lack proper training, they can easily get injured. For example, if an employee gets caught in a machine, they can lose a limb.
Fire and Explosions
A fire or explosion can occur on the job site. A fire or explosion can injure employees. Faulty equipment and improper handling of flammable materials are the main causes of fire and explosions. Unfortunately, these accidents can cause burns and brain injuries.
Vehicle Accidents
Some employees drive company vehicles. Under the law, employers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles. However, some employers do not maintain their vehicles. Vehicle accidents can cause serious injuries, including broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and more.
Ways to Get Injured in a Workplace Accident
A work accident can occur due to hazardous working conditions, equipment malfunction, human error, lack of proper training, and negligence. These accidents can happen in any workplace, including construction sites, factories, offices, and many more.
Here are the ways to get injured in a Charlotte workplace accident.
Lack of Training
Some employees are not properly trained. These employees are more likely to make mistakes. It is, therefore, crucial for employers to ensure their employees are properly trained. They can offer thorough training programs to their employees.
Inadequate Safety Equipment
It is expensive to purchase safety equipment. That is why some employees are less likely to purchase them. If, for example, workers work in the manufacturing and construction sectors, they must have protective equipment. The protective equipment can help prevent injuries.
Poor Maintenance
Some employers, however, may neglect the maintenance of their equipment and machinery. For instance, poorly maintained stairs, slippery floors, faulty wiring, and faulty equipment can cause workplace accidents. Regular cleaning and maintenance, on the other hand, can help prevent workplace accidents.
Fatigue and Stress
Unfortunately, some employees work longer hours. In fact, some people work two jobs. Fatigue can affect the reaction time and focus of these employees. They can even sleep while working. Employees need to take breaks and employers should embrace work-life balance.
Poor Communication
Poor communication can happen in the workplace. For example, if there is miscommunication about sudden changes and safety procedures, it can lead to misunderstandings in the workplace. Employers should hold regular safety meetings to prevent miscommunication in their workplace.
Human Error
Workplace accidents can happen because of human errors. Humans are prone to mistakes. If, for example, an employee is distracted, they can cause an accident. Creating the right culture, continuous training, employee training, and human error prevention training can help prevent human errors.
Hazardous Substances
Exposure to hazardous substances, such as radioactive materials, gases, or chemicals, can cause harm to employees. Employers need to properly handle, store, and dispose of hazardous substances. In fact, they should educate their workers on the potential dangers of these substances.
These are some of the ways employees can get injured in a workplace accident. Investing in protective equipment is not enough. Employers need to educate their employees, encourage breaks, and provide thorough training. Employees, on the other hand, should adhere to the safety protocols and wear protective gear.
Where to Go for Diagnosis After a Work Accident
If you have been injured in a workplace accident in Charlotte, you should see a doctor. A doctor can help you improve and recover from your injury. However, you probably do not know how to pick a good doctor. Your employer or your employer’s insurance company can help you select a doctor.
Employers select the treating doctor on behalf of the injured employee under North Carolina law. You will, therefore, have to select from employer-selected doctors for work-related injuries. If you want to change your doctor, you will have to get approval from the North Carolina Industrial Commission.
Your employer has the right to provide and direct your medical treatment. Fortunately, you can still be eligible to choose your own doctor after a Charlotte workplace accident. Here are the situations you may have to choose your own doctor:
- Your employer does not have an on-site doctor.
- Your employer does not properly instruct you to see the on-site doctor.
- Your employer does not provide you with information about the on-site doctor or even ignores your injury report.
- It is not appropriate to see the on-site doctor because of the seriousness of your workplace injury.
- You have obtained permission from the North Carolina Industrial Commission to seek your own doctor.
If you are free to select your own doctor, you must do your due diligence. You want to get the best treatment. So, you must make sure you are choosing the best doctor to treat your workplace injuries. If you choose the wrong doctor, your injuries can take longer to heal or even get worse.
So, the best place to go for a diagnosis after a workplace accident is to see a reputable, experienced, and highly trained doctor. A skilled doctor will properly diagnose your injury and provide an appropriate treatment plan. If you follow your treatment, you will recover faster.
Choosing the Best Charlotte Workplace Accident Doctor
How do you choose the best doctor? Here are the things to consider.
Reputation
You have to check the reputation of the doctor. It takes time and lots of effort to build a good reputation. Doctors build their reputation by providing the best services. They have handled different types of injuries. In fact, they provide the best support for their patients and their families.
Experience
Experienced doctors can handle any situation. They are highly trained. That is why they can easily diagnose your injury. They can recognize an injury almost immediately. A highly trained doctor will make you feel seen and recognized as human.
Support
The best Charlotte workplace accident doctors provide the patient with the highest quality care possible. They are ready to answer your questions. In fact, they provide initial consultation. You will get the chance to meet the doctor. If they have good communication skills, you will be comfortable talking to them.
How Can Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology Help?
A workplace accident can be overwhelming and stressful. And if you have suffered serious injuries, you may stay out of work for several days or weeks. It can, however, take several weeks or even months to recover from some injuries, such as broken bones, head injuries, fractures, and many more.
We highly encourage you to seek medical attention from reputable and highly skilled medical doctors. They have high success rates in treating patients with work-related injuries. They can help you make a quick recovery. So, you will not spend more time out of work.
If you are dealing with a workplace injury in Charlotte, NC, Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology is here to help. We have the knowledge and experience to handle workplace injuries. Our team will assess your injury and help you understand how long it will take to recover.
If you have been injured in a workplace accident in Charlotte, let us help you recover your health. Do not hesitate to contact us. You can call 704-412-3045 to schedule an appointment.