Workers’ compensation is coverage that is provided to you from your first day of employment. It is something that your employer has for any type of workplace injury.
While you can suffer a repetitive motion injury at a desk job, certain industries have high rates of workplace injuries. Here is a look at the industries that have the highest number of workers’ compensation claims.
Manufacturing
The manufacturing industry has the most severe worker injuries, with the majority of injured workers requiring hospitalization or amputation. Metal fabrication, meat processing plants, plastics and rubber manufacturing, and other types of manufacturing settings pose the greatest risks to workers.
The pay is enticing in this sector, which is why many people accept the risks. However, when injuries occur in manufacturing, workers’ compensation benefits must be provided to the injured.
Construction
Not far behind manufacturing, the construction industry also has some of the most severe workplace injuries. There are significant risks with specific jobs in the construction industry, particularly for specialty trade construction workers. Utility system construction may be the most dangerous sector of construction. Although it offers attractive pay, it is easier to suffer an injury on the job, even when proper safety protocols are followed.
Transportation and Warehousing
Following the construction industry, the transportation and warehousing industry has numerous injured workers. Long-distance freight trucking has the most severe injuries in this part of the industry. In the government sector, postal workers most commonly endure serious injuries on the job.
What Workplace Injuries are the Most Common?
Sprains, strains, and tears are the most common injuries in the workplace. Those soft tissue injuries can occur in many different ways. Some of them may heal in time while others may leave lasting impacts that can affect a worker’s ability to perform their job requirements.
In addition to these injuries, workers can suffer lacerations, fractures, punctures, pain, and general soreness. Some jobs put workers at greater risk of suffering burn injuries or other types of traumatic injuries.
What are the Most Common Causes of Workplace Injuries?
Overexertion is one of the most common causes of workplace injuries. Not far behind are slip and fall accidents caused by slippery conditions of floors, walkways, and the ground.
Often, simple adjustments could be made to reduce the rate of workplace accidents. Adequate lighting in stairwells, handrails, and prompt cleanup of slippery substances could help keep these accidents from being such a frequent occurrence. Every employer needs to do their part to make sure that safety and health hazards are fully addressed.
While many industries have serious hazards that workers should always keep in mind, it is no excuse for an employer to avoid proper safety measures. However, even if an employer does everything right for their employees, accidents that result in serious injuries can still occur.
If you need help with workers’ comp in Atlanta claims, contact an attorney to help fight for your right to the benefits you deserve for your injuries.