A study recently released by insurance carrier Liberty Mutual revealed the most common on-the-job injuries in the US. Read on to learn about the most common reasons people are hurt at work, and contact a New York Workers’ Compensation and disability attorney if you’ve been injured on the job.
1. Overexertion involving outside sources
This category includes any injuries received from pulling, pushing, throwing, lifting, turning, carrying, or wielding something or someone. It includes injuries received from a single incident, as well as those received from repeated overexertion. This type of injury accounts for 23% of all workplace injuries.
2. Falls on the same level
This category of injury includes those received by a worker falling and hitting the ground or another surface, but not from a height. These injuries account for nearly 18% of all workplace injuries.
3. Falls to a lower level
9.2% of all workplace injuries are caused by workers falling from a height, such as a ladder or scaffold, or falling below ground level, such as into a trench or shaft.
4. Struck by an object or equipment
This form of injury is received when workers are struck by a falling piece of equipment, or when they’re otherwise hit by some object on the job site. Injuries received when workers are struck by an object account for 7.4% of all on-the-job injuries.
5. Other exertions or bodily reactions
Injuries in this category include sprains, strains, nerve damage, ruptures, and stress fractures, such as those received from standing, sitting, walking, bending, or even viewing something for an extended period. They include carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive motion injuries. The “other exertions” category accounts for 6.5% of all injuries in the workplace.
Getting hurt on the job can be costly, both for you and for your employer. Regardless of the cost to your employer or the insurance carrier, receiving an injury on the job will always carry greater financial risks for you, the injured worker, in the form of lost work, future earnings, and the cost of treating your injury. You have a right to receive financial support when you’re hurt at work, and if your employer is contesting your claim, get legal help to receive the benefits to which you’re entitled.
For assistance with New York state disability, Workers’ Compensation, or retirement disability claims, contact the dedicated and effective Highland disability benefits attorney Peter M. Cordovano for assistance with your case, at (845) 414-8482.