Santa’s elves are hard at work making gifts – and people who work in manufacturing are just as busy this holiday season. With online gift orders flooding in and stores needing to restock their shelves, manufacturing employees are dealing with a hefty workload – and a higher risk of suffering a workplace injury.

In 2021, private industry employers reported 2.6 million non-fatal workplace injuries and occupational illnesses to the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics). The incident rate was 2.7 per every 100 full-time employees. In fact, 28% of all manufacturing injuries occurred in the first year of employment. The manufacturing industry work environment is considered one of the highest risks for workplace accidents and personal injuries. Below are some of the most common manufacturing injuries.

  • Impact from objects or equipment (34%).
  • Overexertion and bodily reaction (32%).
  • Slip and fall accidents (18%).
  • Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs) (6%).
  • Exposure to hazardous substances (5%).

According to Travelers’ claim data, manufacturing employees who took off work to recover from a workplace injury need to take an average of 66 days away from work. That’s a lot of missed paychecks, and manufacturing injuries are expensive. These are just a few average costs of common manufacturing injuries according to the most recent data from the National Safety Council.

  • Slip and fall workplace accidents cost $27,225 in medical expenses and $21,350 in damages, reaching a grand total of $48,575.
  • Being struck by an object cost an average of $39,977 in workers’ compensation, $22,093 of which is medical expenses and $17,884 in damages.
  • Strains, which are commonly caused by overexertion, cost about $17,241 in medical expenses and $17,870 in damages.
  • Workplace injuries caused by being caught on an object or equipment cost an average of $26,188 for medical treatment and $18,400 in damages, which is a total of $44,588.
  • Burns, which can sometimes be caused by exposure to hazardous substances, cost about $54,173 in workers’ compensation, which is a combination of $36,477 in medical costs and $17,696 in damages.
  • Carpal Tunnel, which is a common Repetitive Stress Injury, costs an average of $16,131 in medical expenses and $17,346 in damages, which is a total of $33,477 in workers’ compensation.
  • Infections and inflammation which are often caused by exposure to harmful substances such as harsh chemicals, cost an average of $37,498 in workers’ compensation. About $18,826 of this total is attributed to medical costs, and $18,672 is attributed to damages.

Why should you pay for a workplace injury when your employer likely has workers’ compensation insurance to cover your workplace accident related expenses? That’s right – in Missouri, employers who have five employees or more are required by workers’ compensation law to have workers’ compensation insurance in case any of their employees suffer a workplace injury. So – what are the first things you should do after a workplace accident to ensure you get the compensation you deserve?

First and foremost, report the accident immediately to your supervisor, and fill out a workplace accident report to give to your boss right away. Second, call a workers’ compensation attorney to protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and win the compensation you need—at no up front cost to you. Your lawyer will help you fill out and submit the appropriate legal forms by deadlines, go over your claim with you, and negotiate on your behalf. Because your workers’ compensation lawyer knows how to calculate the value of your personal injury, you can rest assured that your settlementwill cover your personal injury related expenses such as lost wages, medical costs, and pain and suffering. Third, seek medical attention for your workplace injury or occupational injury as soon as possible. Delaying medical treatment can hurt your workers’ compensation claim, so see the doctor as soon as you can.

If you’ve suffered a workplace injury, don’t take on the financial burden. Contact The Hines & Wilson Law Firm as soon as possible for a no-cost initial legal consultation. During your consultation, you will receive free legal advice from a skilled and compassionate workers’ compensation attorney near you in Columbia, Missouri. We’ll fight for the financial compensation you deserve.  We don’t charge any fees until we win.