A Look at Workplace Accident Claims
If you are an employee or employer in a dangerous industry, it’s a good idea to understand the trends with workplace accidents and how you can avoid accidents and injuries. Workplace injuries can result in long-term pain and other effects. By understanding where the risks were in the past, businesses can better identify what to look for in the future to prevent injuries from happening.
Travelers, an insurance company, examined 1.2 million workers’ compensation claims that occurred from 2017 and 2021. The most common types of claims were overexertion (29%), slips, trips, and falls (23%), and being struck by an object (12%). Rounding out the top five were motor vehicle accidents and caught-in or caught-between hazards, both at 5%.
Severe claims valued at $250,000 or more included the following:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Being struck by an object
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Caught-in or caught-between hazards
- Overexertion
Those who are new on the job are affected the most. More than one-third of workplace injuries occurred during an employee’s first year. For 2023, this resulted in 6 million missed days.
When looking at lost workdays by industries, construction leads the pack at 103 days. Transportation was in second place at 83 days, followed by services (72 days), wholesale (71 days), and manufacturing (67 days).
The top workplace injuries are dislocation, at 142 missed days, with fractures at 92 missed days. Rounding out the top five are inflammation (85), strains and sprains (54), and contusions (30).
Lower back injuries were most common in the wholesale sector, followed by shoulder injuries. In manufacturing, shoulder injuries were the most frequent injury. In small businesses, the most common injuries were slips, trips, and falls.
In terms of expense, workers’ compensation claims in the construction industry were the most expensive, at almost double the average of all industries.
Causes of Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents can be caused by many factors, including the following:
- Lack of training. Employees not properly trained for their tasks may not know how to operate machinery, handle hazardous materials, or follow safety procedures.
- Fatigue. Long hours, insufficient breaks, or demanding work can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Employees may become distracted by personal issues, smartphones, or simply lose focus on the task at hand.
- Slippery or cluttered floors. Wet, oily, or uneven surfaces can cause slips, trips, and falls.
- Faulty equipment. Machines that are improperly maintained, malfunctioning, or outdated can pose significant hazards.
- Poor lighting. Inadequate lighting can make it hard to see hazards or safely navigate the workplace.
- Extreme temperatures. Working in environments that are too hot or cold can affect performance and lead to heatstroke or frostbite.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Accidents happen at work all the time. It is the responsibility of employees and employers to keep everyone safe.
Workplace accidents can lead to a lifetime of injuries. A Morristown work-related accident attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff can help you find the right avenues for compensation. Schedule a consultation today by calling (973) 455-1567 or filling out the online form.
Source:
ehstoday.com/safety/article/55136375/common-workplace-accidents-result-in-costliest-claims
