It’s important to be aware and take preventative measures but when it does happen, workers’ compensation benefits are in place to protect you and your job. We’ve put together a list of the seven most common workers’ compensation injuries and some information about each one.
What Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
Worker’s compensation protects both employer and employee. Businesses are protected from civil suits by purchasing workers’ compensation insurance and employees receive protection and benefits should they become injured or ill at their place of work. Each state has its own rules and regulations that employers are required to follow to ensure coverage for their employees. If you need compensation, don’t skip on workers’ comp doctor appointments. Find a doctor and protect your health.
What Does It Cover?
Workers’ compensation insurance covers:
Medical expenses Missed wages Compensation for fatal injuries Rehabilitation
Remember that employers only cover these if injury or illness occurs while at work. Employees won’t receive benefits if an injury occurs while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or if the injury was intentional.
Workers’ Compensation Injuries
Injuries can happen in a wide variety of business activities, not just physically demanding jobs. Here are the seven most common injuries:
1. Overexertion
Overexertion is the cause of millions of emergency room visits a year. This can happen when a person strains or pulls a muscle or joint from moving heavy objects or working in an awkward position. Treatment and prevention are critical as this pain can become chronic and lead to new problems.
2. Slip, Trip, and Fall
A slip and fall can happen from a spilled drink, a loose rug, or a patch of ice outside. A fall can cause a sprain, fracture, and even a brain injury. Recovery from these injuries can take several weeks or months.
3. Repetitive Motion
Motions such as typing and sitting in the same position everyday cause injuries that occur over time and with repetition. Repetitive motion can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, back and neck pain, vision problems, and strained muscles and tendons.
4. Machinery Accident
An accident involving machinery at the workplace most often happens from faulty machinery or misuse. Machinery accidents cause amputations, crushed fingers and limbs, and sometimes death. In the United States, more than 18,000 traumatic injuries take place each year from workers operating heavy machinery at work.
5. Vehicle Accident
Anyone who drives for a living or drives for a work task is eligible to receive compensation should they be involved in an accident. This can happen in a car, truck, van, tractor, forklift, and other heavy machinery.
6. Fall to a Lower Level
These falls most often happen from ladders, scaffolding, rooftops, and stairways. Falls can cause traumatic injuries and even death.
7. Assaults and Violent Acts
Assaults and violent acts from fellow workers or criminals do sometimes happen. An assault can happen from a workplace argument, mental instability, or a crime being committed by a criminal such as a robbery.
Know Your Benefits!
Every worker should know their benefits and what workers’ compensation injuries are covered by insurance. If you want more on life, self-improvement, and relationships, be sure to check out our other articles!
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