There are a lot of stressful things about work. Tight deadlines, overtime, and the importance of your job can all leave you feeling anxious. Yet, there’s something else work-related that might disrupt your world: a workplace injury.
The sad reality is that workplace injuries are all too common. In fact, some statistics show that a worker is injured on the job every seven seconds, which equates to more than 80,000 injuries per week. This means that even those who practice safety in their day-to-day duties can suddenly and unexpectedly be hurt at work.
There are a number of ways that you can be hurt on the job, too. Over-exertion from reaching or bending too far, as well as repetitive motion, causes the most workplace injuries. This is often seen when lifting heavy objects. Another common cause of on the job injuries is contact with equipment. Construction workers are often pinched or crushed by moving machinery, which can result in serious harm. Slips and trips are a common occurrence, too, making up about 25% of all workplace injuries.
Of course, some professions are more dangerous than others. For example, those in the service and shipping industries see the highest amount of injuries, but construction workers and those who are engaged in manufacturing also see a fair number of on the job accidents.
Suffering a workplace injury can disrupt your life on a massive scale, too. You might need extensive medical care and rehabilitative treatment, all at a time when you are unable to work and earn your wage. This is where a workers’ compensation claim may provide some relief. In order to secure these benefits, though, you’ll need to meet certain legal requirements. Competent legal professionals stand ready to assist you with the process.