Have you been hurt at work? You’re not alone. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that roughly 2.9 million non-fatal workplace illnesses and injuries were reported in 2015 by the private industry alone.
According to claim data released by The Travelers Companies from between 2010 and 2014, the most common causes of work-related injuries are obtained through handling materials, slip and fall accidents, and colliding with objects.
What Causes Injuries?
Handling materials, objects, or substances that are capabale of causing injuries made up 32% of The Travelers Companies’ claims. Handling materials include duties such as lugging heavy objects about, handling machinery, using various kinds of equipment, cooking, working with chemicals, or anything else that requires physical contact with work materials.
Additional causes of injury include slips, trips, and falls (14% of claims); colliding with an object (10%); accidents involving tools (7%); and trauma due to overuse (4%).
Top 5 Injuries
According to the claim data, strains and sprain injuries occur most often, making up 30% of the claim total. These injuries are generally the result of carrying heavy materials, or slip and fall accidents. However, we often see the employer or the workers’ compensation insurance company incorrectly report much more serious injuries as a “strain or sprain” when the injured worker needs surgery.
- Strains and sprains (30% of total claims)
- Cuts or punctures (19%)
- Contusions/brusies (12%)
- Inflammation (5%)
- Fractures (5%)
Most Dangerous Jobs
Some of the most dangerous jobs out there include include laborers, hired drivers, construction workers, mechanics, welders, and electricians. The Hines & Wilson Law Firm is proud to represent all of the above. But, serious work injuries can happen on any type of job.
Contact Us if You’ve Been Hurt at Work
If you have been injured in a work-related accident, report the incident and contact one of our lawyers as soon as possible for a free consultation to be sure you receive all of the benefits you deserve.
