Workplace injuries are common in the construction, electrical and manufacturing industries where employees have to work near energized equipment, load or unload heavy items, work on high rise workstations which can cause chances of falls, injuries and other accidents etc.
Over Exertion and falls
According to a very recent study by Liberty Mutual, the biggest cause of workplace injuries is overexertion and falls. A combination of both costs up to a quarter of million dollars to employers each year in workers’ compensation.
The study suggests that most workplace injuries occur due to lifting heavy objects, pushing, pulling, carrying or throwing heavy weight items. Overexertion can cause muscular injuries as well as result in falls too which can be extremely hazardous for workers especially if they are working on high raised construction sites.
Roadway Incidents, slips and trips
Working near energized equipment is hazardous and all good employers ensure workers are insured and compensated for these injuries. However, when working in hazardous working conditions, injuries are somewhat inevitable. Roadway incidents when driving motorized vehicles are some of the most common causes of workplace injuries, along with slips and trips on risky platforms.
Miscellaneous Causes
Other causes that result in workplace injuries that convert into high workers compensation costs are falls and injuries from being struck by an object or equipment, repetitive motions and others that can result in bodily reactions and overexertion.
Seeking Professional Help to Claim Workers Compensation
While the causes for workplace injuries continue to be more or less the same each year, it is important for employees to be aware of the their rights and file a claim to receive workers compensation. Many employers runaway from paying workers compensation which is why legal help from a professional workers compensation attorney becomes essential.
A professional workers compensation lawyer can help employees receive the rightful dues and help them to file insurance claims and more. In many cases, where serious injuries occur and the employee is unable to communicate him or herself, a lawyer who understands the legalities of the situation is ideal who can discuss and communicate with the employer and the insurance administrator.
Workplace injuries are unavoidable in certain circumstances and employers who refuse to accept the claims made by employees can fall into trouble in future. While the highest number of injuries are due to overexertion and falls that make the biggest chunk of workers compensation claims, it is essential for employers to ensure highest safety standards for their employees to avoid mishaps and unpleasant incidents.
Images Source: Myphillyworkerscomp.com