Common workplace accidents in research laboratories
Many people associate workplace injuries with industries that involve physical labor or heavy machinery, such as construction, oil rigging, farming and logging. These fields do have high rates of injuries, but accidents can occur in a wide variety of workplaces.
Scientific research, for example, is one area that many do not associate with workplace accidents. However, scientists in research laboratories sustain injuries every year. As a recent study found, these incidents do not garner much attention and many labs do not have adequate safety procedures in place.
Common research laboratory injuries
Ironically, very little research is available regarding the frequency of serious accidents or near-misses in research laboratories. According to a 2019 study of laboratory accidents by Nature Research, “questionable research methodologies seriously undermine the reliability, validity and applicability of findings.” However, the study did identify several common laboratory accidents. These include:- Burns
- Lacerations
- Chemical contamination
- Chemical inhalation
- Slip-and-falls