What Are the Most Common Workers Compensation Claims?

Workers’ Compensation provides benefits that cover medical treatment and more for workers who have been hurt on the job. Out of the many types of workplace injuries that happen across different industries, some of the most common are sprains and strains, contusions, lacerations, burns, and punctures.

Sprains and Strains

This category encompasses musculoskeletal disorders, such as slipped or herniated discs, repetitive motion injuries, and other complaints arising from overexertion and ergonomically inadequate working conditions. These injuries account for more lost workdays than any other major kind of health issue.

Sprains and strains can be prevented by doing warm-up exercises, taking regular breaks to stretch, training workers on proper lifting techniques, using ergonomic tools, and otherwise ensuring that the workplace is ergonomically efficient for the worker doing the task.

Contusions

More commonly known as bruises, contusions happen when the small blood vessels under the surface are crushed without the skin breaking open. Contusions can range from a minor muscle bruise to a serious brain injury that results in bleeding inside the skull. Slip and falls, crushing accidents, and accidents where an employee is struck by an object can all result in contusions.

Prevention of this type of injury involves using good housekeeping protocols and training workers on about how to handle materials so they do not fall.

Lacerations

Workers who regularly handle box cutters or other sharp utensils and tools are at risk for lacerations. Damage to the fingers and hands can curtail an employee’s ability to do their job. A clean work environment and training are ways to preventing this common workplace injury.

Burn Injuries

Happen frequently in the restaurant industry but are also common in laundries and construction, or anywhere furnaces, steam, chemicals, and electricity are involved. Electrical burns can be more damaging than burns from heat as tissue damage is deeper.

Burn injuries can require surgeries for skin grafting and leave permanent scarring. Employers can reduce the risk of burn injuries by following electrical standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and providing personal protective equipment (PPE) where necessary.

Punctures

This type of injury is a narrow, deep break in the skin caused by a sharp object, such as scissors, medical equipment, nail guns, and other power tools. In medical settings, it is important to follow protocols for the correct disposal of used syringes, needles, and lancets to prevent accidental puncture injuries. In construction, landscaping and other industries that use power tools, PPE, and training regarding their use and maintenance can help prevent injury.

These and other common workplace injuries are covered by Workers’ Compensation, which can help cover the cost of medical treatment and wages lost during recovery from the injury. Benefits are also available for workers who suffer a permanent disability.

Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Can Help You With Your Benefits Claim

Workplace injuries happen every day, and benefits are available to help those who suffer an injury while on the job. Speak with one of our Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation lawyers at DiTomaso Law if you need help with your claim. Call us at 856-414-0010 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we represent clients throughout South Jersey, including Mt. Holly, Camden County, and Vineland.