Top 5 Workers’ Comp Injuries
When analyzing the injury reports filed by workers as workers’ compensation claims, you will discover that each employer may purchase workers’ compensation insurance from many insurance underwriters. For a successful claim, those insurance companies pay the workers’ compensation insurance benefits to the injured employee.
In every state in the USA, there is a workers’ compensation program with a board. They are responsible for the workers’ compensation regulations and insurance underwriters’ participation rules. They resolve disputes and promote on-the-job safety.
To get an overview of all worker’s compensation claims, you need to collect information from many organizations.
The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health published a study in 2020. The research investigated the data from a large workers’ compensation program that operated across 50 states for many years.
The research found that these five injuries were the most common by percentage ranking:
- Strains (30%)
- Bruising (21%)
- Cuts (12%)
- Sprains (9%)
- Punctures (6%)
1. Strains
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines this type of injury as one where a tendon or muscle is stretched or torn. This injury might happen when a worker does repetitive tasks or pulls or lifts something heavy. A strain may also occur when working awkwardly, using bad posture, and reaching overhead.
2. Bruising
A bruise is also called a contusion. These dark spots may appear on the body anywhere hit hard enough to leave a mark. Bruises often show when getting hurt from a fall. If the bruise comes along with sharp pain and swelling during the first half-hour after the accident, this might be the sign of a serious injury.
3. Cuts
Healthcare professionals call large cuts a laceration. Getting a bad laceration at work may be caused by using the wrong tools or using the tools incorrectly without paying enough attention to the safety requirements. Equipment and tools that are not well-maintained may increase the chance of a worker getting a bad cut. Machinery with missing parts, such as a safety shield with a crack, is a source of this problem. If the work area is full of clutter and the lighting is poor, these may be contributing factors that cause an accident.
4. Sprains
A sprain comes from over-stretching or tearing a ligament. Ankle and wrist sprains are common when a worker trips and falls. Sprains heal slowly and may require physical therapy with plenty of time for recovery.
5. Puncture Wounds
Many things may cause a puncture wound, such as tools, knives, scissors, glass, nails, or wood splinters. Tools with dull cutting blades are risky to use. Handling metal scrap and broken glass requires special care and safety equipment to avoid injuries.
Suppose you or a loved one experiences an injury while on the job. You must contact a qualified attorney to pursue your worker’s compensation claim. This step will ensure your claim gets filed properly and your rights are protected. Call (281) 475-4535 or use the web form to set up an appointment for a free consultation.