Some people may think employees in a typical office setting are safer than those working in more dangerous areas, like construction sites. Unfortunately, accidents can occur in nearly every kind of work environment. The following are some of the most common claims made by office staff and seen by workers’ compensation attorneys.

4 Workers’ Compensation Claims From Office Employees

1. Trips & Falls

The office setting is ripe for accidental tripping and falling. Often, the culprit is wet floors caused by rain or snow being tracked into the building. It’s also common for employees to fall on mopped floors that have not yet dried. Workers’ compensation attorneys say companies are especially negligent if no warning signs or markers were posted in these wet areas.

2. Muscle & Joint Strain

Employees who engage in repetitive typing can suffer from pain in their wrists, arms, and fingers. Conditions such as bursitis and carpal tunnel syndrome may be among the outcomes. Because these afflictions develop over time, employees should start documenting instances and report them to a supervisor. Doing so may help build credibility if you plan to file a workers’ compensation claim.

3. Falling Objects

Think about the number of shelves and structures in your office that contain heavy objects. If any of these items fall on you, they can cause serious physical injuries. The same is true for items tossed from a balcony or stairs by a coworker that accidentally hits you. Companies have also been found negligent for not properly securing bookcases and wall paintings that fell on top of employees.

4. Poison Exposure

Some older buildings may have lead paint or asbestos hiding on surfaces and inside walls. Repeated exposure to dangerous chemicals can cause employees in an office setting to experience a host of health problems. These include respiratory issues, skin rashes, and asthma attacks. Workers’ compensation attorneys encourage employees to document dates of unexplained illnesses and report the matters to their supervisors.

Brandau & Waltz Law Offices, LLP in La Crosse, WI, is a strong advocate of employee rights. The team of experienced workers’ compensation attorneys knows the fine details of federal and state laws. You can count on receiving personalized attention, clear explanations, and a 100% commitment to processing your injury claim. If you ever need their services, call (608) 784-2050 to schedule a free initial consultation. You can also go online to learn about other areas of practice, including family law and Social Security law.