Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers | October 27, 2025 | Workplace Accidents
Workplace hazards can originate from various sources, including equipment, dangerous substances, or inadequate safety protocols. Injured workers can be left dealing with permanent effects from their injuries. Some workers are never able to return to their jobs.
Being aware of the different types of workplace hazards can help prevent accidents and injuries. Additionally, comprehensive training and awareness campaigns from employers are crucial. These campaigns can also reduce the number of workplace accidents that occur. Keep reading below to learn all you need to know about workplace hazards.
Common Types of Workplace Hazards
Workplace hazards exist in nearly every industry. Whether you work with heavy machinery or sit behind a desk, there may be hazards present that could cause an injury. Some of the most common types of workplace hazards include:
Physical Hazards
These hazards involve physical items or situations that pose risks in the workplace.
Some examples of physical hazards include:
- Slippery floors
- Defective equipment
- Lack of guardrails
- Noisy environments
These hazards often arise due to negligence or inadequate maintenance.
Biological Hazards
Biological hazards are more common in the healthcare or medical field. These hazards may include exposure to bacteria, viruses, or other biological material. This exposure may lead to illness or disease. Employees who handle biological materials should always take extra precautions.
Chemical Hazards
Many workers use chemicals in their day-to-day jobs. From cleaning supplies to pesticides, chemicals are everywhere in the workplace. These materials can cause serious issues when not handled properly. Severe chemical burns and respiratory issues are just two examples of chemical injuries.
Ergonomic Hazards
Most people do not immediately consider this a workplace hazard. However, ergonomic hazards often exist for individuals who work behind a desk or perform repetitive tasks daily. Poor posture, heavy lifting, or repetitive motions can all cause problems. Common issues include muscle strains, back problems, and other musculoskeletal issues.
Psychological Hazards
A certain level of occasional stress is normal for most jobs, but extreme stress may be considered a psychological workplace hazard. Additionally, bullying, harassment, or workplace violence can have detrimental effects on employees. Psychological hazards must be considered as part of a comprehensive workplace hazard safety plan.
Protecting Against Workplace Hazards
Awareness is the first step toward protection against workplace hazards. Per the rules set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), every worker has the right to a safe workplace. This often requires employers to take proactive steps. For instance, employers should always provide proper training and ensure the availability of safety equipment.
Protection against physical hazards usually requires some type of physical safety measures, such as:
- Machine safety guards
- Hard hats
- Steel-toed boots
- Other physical safety equipment.
Additionally, proper training and safe workplace practices must also be emphasized. Keeping work areas neat, clean, and dry is essential to preventing accidents and ensuring employee safety. Finally, knowing what to do in the event of an emergency is crucial.
Employees should be trained on how to respond to chemical spills, biological exposures, or other types of emergencies. This training can help mitigate the impact of the accident and prevent further injuries.
Contact Our Raleigh Personal Injury Lawyers at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers if You Are Hurt in the Workplace
Even with the proper safety precautions in place, accidents can still happen. If you are hurt in an accident at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits provide compensation for some of your economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages.
If you are hurt on the job, make sure you report your injury to your employer right away. North Carolina rules typically require that your injury be reported within 30 days of the accident. Seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries, and make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions.
Finally, seek advice from an experienced Raleigh personal injury lawyer at Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers. Your lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure that you get all the compensation you are owed for your injuries.
For more information, contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in North Carolina today. We have twelve convenient locations in North Carolina, including Greenville, Raleigh, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, Kinston, Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem & Garner.
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Raleigh Office
4600 Marriott Dr STE 500, Raleigh, NC 27612
(919) 876-3020
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Durham Office
100 E Parrish St STE 200, Durham, NC 27701
(919) 728-1770
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Goldsboro Office
601 N Spence Ave, Goldsboro, NC 27534
(919) 778-9700
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Charlotte Office
1914 J N Pease Pl Suite 142, Charlotte, NC 28262
(704) 486-5824
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Greenville Office
300 E Arlington Blvd Suite 2A #110, Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 397-8620
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Fayetteville Office
2517 Raeford Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28305
(910) 387-9186
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Greensboro Office
7B Corporate Center Ct Suite 15, Greensboro, NC 27408
(336) 516-9066
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville Office
3391 Henderson Dr, Jacksonville, NC 28546
(910) 455-5599
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Garner Office
500 Benson Rd Suite 111, Garner, NC 27529
(800) 525-7111
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Kinston Office
807 N Queen St, Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 397-8624
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Wilmington Office
1608 Queen St Suite 12, Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 889-4064
Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers – Winston-Salem Office
102 W 3rd St, Ste 1007, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 516-9042