Common Workplace Injuries
Every working American faces risks each day they report to work. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates close to three million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses are reported each year. While some industries pose higher risks than others, even a seemingly safe office job poses risks that can cause serious injuries and in some cases, death.
What are the Five Most Common Workplace Injuries?
Whether you are working on constructing a high-rise office building or sitting at a computer in an office, workplace injuries happen. Even the most mundane work environments can cause injuries or illnesses that require medical intervention, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and long recuperation periods. The five most common workplace injuries include:
- Slips, Trips, and Falls: Tripping over computer cords, falling from elevated surfaces, and slipping on a wet floor can all result in serious injury. Head, neck, and back injuries, broken bones, and cuts and lacerations are common injuries associated with a slip and fall
- Musculoskeletal and Repetitive Task Injuries: Work activities that require lifting, stretching, typing, long periods of sitting or standing, bending, reaching, and twisting can result in injuries to the muscular and skeletal system. Torn or sprained tendons and ligaments, back, shoulder, and limb injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint injuries, and nerve injuries can require long recovery periods and time away from work.
- Being Struck by Objects or Getting Caught Between Objects: Workers that are struck by heavy objects, such as boxes, office furniture, and construction equipment, or those that get caught between heavy pieces of equipment suffer serious injury. Traumatic brain injuries, broken and crushed bones, paralysis, and nerve damage can result from these types of workplace accidents.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Workers that travel for sales appointments, supervisory inspections, and those that operate construction vehicles run a high risk of getting into a motor vehicle accident. Serious injuries can occur in high speed crashes, multi-vehicle accidents, and when workers are run over or hit by heavy construction vehicles.
- Fire, Electrical, and Chemical Burns: Burn injuries are the most devastating and potentially deadly injuries that can happen in the workplace. Fires and explosions, electrocution, and spilled chemicals can leave victims prone to long recovery periods, painful surgeries, ongoing therapies, and permanent disfigurement.
What to Do if You are Injured at Work
If you are injured at work, it is imperative that you report the accident and the injury immediately. Workers’ Compensation insurance benefits are available to those who are injured on the job. Compensation for medical expenses, hospitalizations, prescription medications, and ongoing therapies can provide relief from the costs of workplace injuries and illnesses.
Consultation with an experienced Workers’ Compensation lawyer can ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation available to you. Even when benefits are initially denied, a competent Workers’ Compensation lawyer can appeal the decision and help you claim the benefits you deserve.
Piscataway Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Help Injured Workers Recover Compensation
If you have been injured at work, call the Piscataway Workers’ Compensation lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr at 877-249-4600 or 732-537-8570 or contact us online to schedule a consultation today. Our Highland Park offices serve clients throughout New Brunswick, Somerset, Piscataway, Edison, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, and Colonia.
