Falling Objects and Warehouse Injuries
When it comes to working in a Southern California warehouse, safety should always be a top priority. One of the most common types of injuries that can occur in warehouse settings comes from falling objects. These incidents can lead to serious consequences for workers, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe head injuries. Depending on the cause of the falling object and the circumstances of your injury, you may have various options available to you. If you’ve been injured, contacting workers’ compensation lawyers in Los Angeles can help you understand your rights and navigate the claims process. Learn more by calling Pisegna & Zimmerman workplace accident law firm at 818-888-8888; we meet with clients over Zoom and handle documents with DocuSign to make your claim simple, streamlined, and safe.
The world of warehouse work is widely misunderstood. While people may know that injuries are always a possibility, they often misunderstand just how common they are. While the average rate of injury across all occupations is 3.0 per 100 full-time workers, the injury rate for those in transportation and warehousing is 4.8 per 100 full-time workers. Those in warehousing and storage have an even higher injury rate of 5.5 per 100 full-time workers. If you’re injured on the job, an experienced workers’ comp attorney in California can help you secure the compensation you deserve and ensure your case is handled properly.
Understanding the Risks of Warehouse Work
The physically demanding nature of warehouse employment carries with it an inherent risk of injury. These hazards often result from the improper stacking of goods, the overloading of shelving units, or the inadequate securing of materials and equipment. Such oversights not only compromise storage systems but also elevate the potential for accidents. Given the rapid pace of warehouse work, the risk of objects falling from heights is significantly increased. Employees must be extremely vigilant, both when it comes to their own safety when navigating warehouses and when it comes to stocking items appropriately to keep others safe.
The Legal Framework Surrounding Warehouse Injuries
The legal landscape of warehouse injuries caused by falling objects is fairly complex. In general, employees injured by falling objects can seek benefits via the workers’ compensation system in California. This system does not require you to prove fault and instead provides partial income replacement and medical benefits to injured employees. Consulting with a Los Angeles workers’ comp attorney can help ensure your claim is handled correctly and maximize your chances of receiving benefits. While companies’ workers’ comp insurance companies can deny workers’ compensation claims if they believe they are illegitimate, most claims go through quickly with minimal hassle.
In some cases, injured workers can also pursue compensation with a personal injury claim. This is generally only an option when a third party outside of their employer is responsible for their injuries. For example, if a shelving unit is inherently unsafe and unstable due to poor construction or an outside company stocks the shelves, the worker may be able to go after them for compensation. To navigate this complex process, seeking advice from an experienced workers’ comp lawyer can be crucial in determining the best course of action.
How to Prevent Falling Object Injuries in Warehouses
To mitigate the risk of falling object injuries within warehouse environments, employers must prioritize safety at every turn. Employee safety training is a key part of this approach, as employees who are vigilant about safe stocking and regular inspections can do a lot in preventing falling objects. Training should not only occur at the start of an employee’s tenure; it should be revisited on a regular basis to avoid complacency.
Another preventive measure is the strategic use of signage and barriers. Clearly marked zones help alert workers to areas where the risk of falling objects is particularly high, reminding them to exercise additional caution. The installation of physical barriers, such as netting or guardrails, can further act as a line of defense, catching or deflecting objects before they pose a threat to workers below.
Lastly, encouraging a culture of safety is important—but difficult. Maintaining open communication about potential hazards and empowering employees to take an active role in safety initiatives reinforces the whole team’s responsibility for maintaining a safe work environment. This can be challenging in many workplaces, as the focus is on productivity and output versus safety.
Furthermore, employees who have worked in a setting for a long period of time may feel like they are immune to accidents or that safety protocols are overblown and unnecessary. Overcoming these hurdles is essential to creating a safe work environment.
Start Your Injury Claim With Pisegna & Zimmerman Workplace Accident Law Firm
When you’re ready to find out if you’re entitled to compensation after a workplace accident, the team of workers’ comp attorneys at Pisegna & Zimmerman is here to support you. If you’re seriously injured, you’ll appreciate our Zoom meetings and DocuSign capabilities that allow you to start your claim from home. Set up a consultation now by calling us at 818-377-2200 or contacting us online.
William Zimmerman is an experienced Los Angeles work injury attorney at Pisegna & Zimmerman. He offers invaluable advice and assistance when dealing with the often complicated workers’ compensation system. As part of Pisgena & Zimmerman, he and his team are a full-service law firm that is dedicated to obtaining the maximum amount of compensation from all available sources.