When distractions are mentioned, the image that typically comes to mind is someone walking, driving or eating while texting or talking on a cellphone. Many employers in Oklahoma and other states have strict policies about cellphone use on the job. However, there is an endless list of other distractions that could cause workplace injuries.
The distracting nature of things that happen in the personal lives of workers cannot be ignored. Anyone who focuses on marital problems, financial troubles and other personal matters can lose concentration. Many accidents happen in the blink of an eye, and the slightest loss of focus could have devastating consequences.
Complacency can play a significant role in the workplace. Workers who have done the same jobs for many years without incidents tend to become complacent. These workers are easily distracted, making it a challenging safety issue for themselves and employers to manage. Another aspect that makes this problem difficult to manage is that distractions are often not identified as the cause of workplace injuries. For that reason, statistics of distraction-related workplace accidents might never be accurate.
A cellphone could be examined to see if it played was a factor in a workplace accident, while cognitive distractions will mostly go unidentified. Fortunately, the Oklahoma workers’ compensation insurance system is a no-fault program that typically pays benefits regardless of who was at fault. So, even if workplace injuries happen while workers are distracted, they will remain eligible for compensation. Many workers find the process complicated and retain the services of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to assist with the navigation of benefits claims.