In order to help employers in California and others across the United States understand common on-the-job injuries, the Bureau of Labor Statistics examined data across the country of injuries suffered by full-time workers. Although most workplace injuries that make the news are often ones that result in serious injuries or tragic deaths of workers, most injuries are less severe but still can have an impact on work load and usually require the use of workers’ compensation insurance benefits. The data revealed that most injuries occur in the course of everyday events such as overexertion, falls, slips and trips.
Although most injuries are less significant than many that make the news, the average number of missed days of work is nine. Not only will missed work affect productivity in the workplace, but some employees may experience a loss of income due to a work injury. Any workplace injury can be costly to both an employer and employee.
According to the data, there are eight common injuries suffered by employees. They include thermal burns, concussions, lacerations, fractures and contusions. Injuries also include puncture wounds that do not result from gunshot wounds, nonspecified injuries, and sprains, strains and muscle tears.
Workplace injuries of any kind can result in expensive medical bills for the employee. For those that also experience a loss of income due to missed work may experience significant financial stress following any injury. California attorneys who have experience handling claims with the complicated workers’ compensation insurance program can assist employees through the process and advocate for the recovery of all applicable benefits.
Source: host.madison.com, “The most common workplace injuries in the US“, March 30, 2018