Some industries are known for being dangerous to workers. If you’re a firefighter, police officer, soldier, or work in construction, you understand that there are hazards that come with the job. However, injuries can happen at any time in any profession. Workers’ compensation insurance is available if you experience any work injury. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2.8 million nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses were reported in 2019. Here are some of the most common claims.

Falls and Slips

When workers don’t have a secure surface to walk or run around on, slips and falls are easy to occur. If a worker trips, slips, or falls while on the job, they can break a bone or have a fracture or sprain. In some cases, they may even have a laceration or concussion.

According to statistics, these types of accidents are the second most common workers’ compensation claim. During the year 2017 to 2018, they accounted for as much as 19% of all workers’ compensation filings. To prevent slips and falls, employers can install slip-resistant floors such as those made from epoxy coating. Safety signs in areas can give employees ample warning that danger is ahead on the floor.

Overexertion

Regardless of how strong you are and how dedicated a worker you aim to be, don’t hurt your body by overexerting yourself on a job. Overexertion was the most common cause of workers’ compensation claims in 2018. You can end up with sprains, strained muscles, torn ligaments, hernias, or in most cases, suffering from a back injury. It happens when you make excessive physical effort, such as when lifting, pulling, pushing, or carrying around heavy objects. The best way to handle this is by having the relevant safety equipment to help lift extremely heavy objects from one point to another. If something is too heavy to lift alone, have another coworker help you.

Transportation

If your job involves transporting products from one spot to another, you should only drive when alert enough to operate the vehicle. Don’t operate a truck, boat, plane, or car, when sleepy on or off the job. While working, you’re driving on the same road other people are on and can get into a crash, collision, or rolled-over truck. So if you have an employer over-scheduling your route and not allowing enough time for you to get proper rest, you should bring it to their attention before a devastating accident happens.

Equipment Issues

Working with faulty equipment isn’t just a problem when it comes to production. It’s also a safety issue when it comes to employees. Injuries such as fractures, abrasions, cuts, lacerations, and amputations can occur on a job when equipment breaks down, falls unexpectedly, or strikes someone. If you’re working on a job where equipment is constantly breaking down or not in compliance, alert your employer as soon as possible, as your safety may be at risk.

When you go to work every day, you expect to be able to come home that night. It would be a shame if you end up in a hospital because of a preventable accident on the job. If you suffer any of the above issues, you have the right to compensation to help replace lost wages or time, pay medical bills, and deal with mental or physical trauma. Learn more about your rights and contact your local workers compensation lawyers.