Workplace injuries occur in every profession, though some jobs are riskier than others. When someone is injured on the job, they have the right to file for worker’s compensation benefits. These benefits are provided to injured workers for a wage replacement and medical bill coverage.
5 Situations That Class as a Workplace Injury Accident
There are many types of injuries that occur on the job and some of them can end up leaving a person disabled for life. Worker’s compensation rules were put into law to ensure workers and employers were protected. The following are five situations that classify as a workplace injury accident. Those who want to learn more can visit DiamondInjuryLaw.com
- Slip and falls, along with tripping accidents, account for about 1/3 of all workplace injury claims. Wet spills, slippery flooring, loose rugs, and poor lighting all account for this type of injury occurring. Employers can be held accountable when they do not provide a safe environment for their employees.
- Moving machinery poses a significant risk to employees. Machine injuries may include crushed limbs, broken bones, severed fingers, and blindness. Machines must be properly guarded and safety protocols followed to prevent serious injuries.
- Large trucks, vehicles, and other motorized equipment can also lead to injuries. Accidents involving company vehicles can occur on the road and in the workplace. Preventative measures should be taken in every workplace to reduce the risks.
- Unexpected fires and explosions are big risks for some types of employment, and they can lead to catastrophic accidents and even death. There are four types of injuries caused by fire and explosion, including the following.
Primary blast injury
Secondary blast injury
Tertiary blast injury
Quaternary blast injury
- Repetitive stress injuries are also included in workplace injuries. These chronic types of injuries can occur over a short period of time, but most often happen when a worker performs the same repetitive motions for months and years at a time.
Workplace Injury Statistics
According to OSHA, there were 2.8 million workplace injuries reported in 2017. While construction and manufacturing jobs tend to produce a greater risk of work injuries, any worker faces injury risks, no matter their occupation. This is why OSHA has set forth governmental guidelines that must be followed in every industry to ensure a safe working environment.
When an injury occurs on the job, a worker’s compensation claim needs to be filed. The injured worker must first report the injury in a timely manner because most states have time limits on how long the employee has to make their initial report.
Should the employer deny the claim, the injured worker has the right to appeal the decision. Although legal representation is not required for the appeals process, many injured workers feel more comfortable knowing they have a lawyer working in their side. The administrative law judge placed over the hearing will be held responsible for whether or not the injured worker receives benefits.
Conclusion
Those who are injured on the job have certain rights afforded to them under the law. Seeking help from a lawyer is wise if the employer seems to be giving the runaround or denies the claim. In the end, injured workers are their own best advocate and should fight for their rights.
