What types of injuries most often result in workers’ compensation?

Image by mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

By Anica Oaks

No matter the job or the industry, employees can be injured while at work. When this occurs, a workers’ compensation claim is often filed by the injured employee and it is typical for that business’s insurance cost to increase. There may be additional concerns related to caring for the employee’s needs while still meeting the needs of customers and the general needs of the business. As to what types of injuries most often result in workers’ compensation claims, here are a few of the most common ones that result in claims.

Lacerations

Common injuries in manufacturing and foodservice industries, lacerations can be quite serious and should be treated immediately. In many cases, employees will be using a knife or box cutter for certain tasks, and be injured due to a dull blade that fails to cut properly. To prevent these injuries, it’s ideal to have each employee go through safety training. Additionally, managers should be trained on how to help employees be safer as well.

Strains and sprains

Along with lacerations, many workers’ compensation claims are for strains and sprains that an employee may get while on the job. These injuries can also run the gamut regarding industries ranging from warehouse workers who hurt their back while lifting heavy objects to office workers who get carpal tunnel syndrome from working at a computer keyboard.

No matter the work situation where the injury occurred, it is likely that the employee will contact an attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation law to help them file a claim. Workers’ compensation law is meant to help employees recover lost wages, medical expenses, and costs associated with rehabilitation. Though it may seem like a poor reflection on your management when they contact an attorney, it should be considered more of a way for that employee to get help from someone who doesn’t have a conflict of interest, such as yours when trying to keep insurance premiums down.

Bone fractures

Whether it is a construction worker who suffers an injury while using heavy equipment or a worker in an office building who slips while walking up or down a slick stairway, bone fractures can be devastating injuries that may force employees to miss months of work. Since these injuries require a long time to heal, numerous follow-up visits to their doctor, and many sessions of physical and possibly occupational therapy, it is crucial that employers find additional help filling in for that employee while they are recovering.

Eye injuries

Finally, if you work in a job such as manufacturing, maintenance, cleaning, or other related industries, employees are typically at greater risk of suffering an eye injury while on the job. Whether it is a piece of metal flying up into their face or chemicals splashing into their eyes, it’s important to always require employees to wear protective eyewear while on the job to help avoid these serious and potentially life-changing injuries.

The number one thing that you can do as a business owner is to take the time to train and put safety protocols in place to minimize the chances of these injuries. Should your employee suffer any of these or other serious injuries on the job, it’s important to consider both the short-term effect of these injuries and your response to them as well as your company’s wellbeing.

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Anica Oaks is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica on Twitter @AnicaOaks.

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