Injuries at Work
While accidents at work can be costly, they are also preventable. Here’s a closer look at common types of workplace injuries and the costs associated with them. If you’re injured on the job, you should know your rights. Injuries at work can result in Workers’ Compensation benefits, so you should understand your coverage and the options available to you.
Workers’ compensation insurance
Workers’ compensation insurance is a legal protection for injuries at work. The state of Missouri requires that you notify your employer of an injury within 30 to 45 days of the date of the injury. If you fail to do so, you may be barred from receiving workers’ compensation benefits. You can notify your employer by writing a letter, email, or submitting a written statement. In addition, you should make sure to explain to your health care provider that your injury is work-related so that you can file a claim under Workers’ Compensation insurance.
The benefits of workers’ compensation insurance include medical care and cash benefits. It is important to see a doctor who is authorized by the Workers’ Compensation Board and is trained to treat injuries that occurred at work. In addition, the doctor must only treat conditions within his or her specialty.
Costs of workplace injuries
Workplace injuries can cause a host of hidden costs. In addition to the cost of medical treatment, a workplace injury can disrupt normal business operations. It can disrupt orders and contracts, cause employee morale to decline, and result in a loss in company reputation. To make matters worse, injuries can lead to lawsuits. Fortunately, there are workers’ compensation lawyers who can help you pursue the benefits you deserve.
In 2014, workplace injuries and accidents caused at least six missed days of work cost U.S. employers $59.9 billion. This number comes from statistically valid injury data compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Academy of Social Insurance. In addition, Liberty Mutual Insurance released its Workplace Safety Index in 2017.
Common types of workplace injuries
Workers are susceptible to many common types of workplace injuries. These include strains, sprains, and tears to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney Many of these injuries can be avoided by using ergonomic equipment and taking regular breaks. Others are more serious and require medical attention. These injuries can result in physical limitations and may require surgery.
Injuries that result from heavy machinery and equipment are particularly severe. Some workers have lost limbs due to being caught in this equipment. Repetitive motion is also a major cause of workplace injuries. Workers are required to repeat certain movements over, which can lead to repetitive motion injuries.
Preventable workplace injuries
One of the most common and preventable workplace injuries is falling. This can happen when an employee is on the same level as an object that falls, or if there is a loose object on the floor. The most common injury caused by a falling object is to the head. To avoid this injury, workplaces must provide employees with proper training and provide proper fall protection gear.
Proper training and education for employees working with dangerous machinery is important. Employees should also be provided with proper protective gear, such as eye and ear protection. Additionally, employees should always be aware of their surroundings and use common sense when storing and retrieving materials. Taking breaks from repetitive tasks is also crucial to prevent workplace injuries.
Costs of workers’ compensation insurance
Workers’ compensation insurance provides coverage for expected costs associated with an employee’s injuries. However, the cost of unexpected expenses is not covered by this insurance. These costs, commonly known as indirect costs, can have a significant impact on employers. These costs can be reduced through proactive management of claims.
Injuries resulting in lost time are among the most costly workers’ compensation claims. These injuries cost an average of $113,695 per claim. Fractures, dislocations, and other traumas are among the next highest costs.