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3 factors that affect your risk of a workplace injury

There are many factors that influence if or when you’ll get hurt on the job. Among them include how long you’ve been on the job, the use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and on which shift you work.

Knowing the risks and how these factors influence your likelihood of getting hurt can help you avoid serious injuries. Here is what you need to know.

How long you’ve been on the job

It’s not surprising to anyone that new employees are the most likely to get hurt on the job. They don’t have as much training and aren’t as familiar with the workplace. One study reported hat around a quarter of all injuries on the job happen during the first year of a person’s employment.

The use of personal protective equipment

Using the right personal protective equipment, or PPE, is essential if you want to stay safe on the job. Using the wrong PPE or none at all opens up an increased risk of injury. If your employer isn’t providing this equipment, they may be in violation of federal laws, so consider reaching out to your attorney and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Your shift choice

The time of day that you work has an influence on safety, as well. Nighttime workers are known to be at a greater risk of injuries. At night, workers are prone to greater fatigue. They may feel more exhausted than daytime workers and have impaired motor skills as a result.

All of these things put people at risk of a workplace injury. If you work at night, are a new worker or don’t use PPE, then your risk of an injury is going to be much higher than it is for long-term workers, those who use proper PPE and those who work during the day.

What should you do if you’re hurt on the job?

If you’re injured, it’s important to tell your employer. You only have a limited amount of time to look into making a workers’ compensation claim, and your first report of injury needs to be made as soon as possible.