Workplace Injuries Happen Every Seven Seconds

It is a little-known fact that an American worker suffers a workplace injury every seven seconds. The National Safety Council (NSC) released this surprising data in 2016. Since then, similar reports have shed light on the nature and cost of these workplace injuries, as well as the workers most likely to suffer them.

According to the NSC, 4.7 million workers are injured on the job every year. That equates to an average of 12,900 workers each day. Fortunately, when a worker is injured on the job, he or she may be eligible for benefits such as compensation for medical bills and a portion of their lost wages through a Workers’ Compensation claim.

Workers’ Ages – Old and Young – Put Them at Risk of Injury

According to industry experts, the two groups of workers most likely to suffer workplace injuries are young workers and those over age 55. The data came from a five-year study conducted for insurance companies.

Young workers are most likely to be injured because of their inexperience and in some cases, insufficient training. Younger workers might also be more intimidated than older workers by the prospect of discussing safety violations with their supervisors, putting them at greater risk of injury.

Older workers, on the other hand, are more likely to suffer musculoskeletal injuries such as sprains and strains. These workers also take longer to recover from their injuries.

The Most Common Types of Workplace Injury

The most common types of workplace injuries are those related to lifting and carrying heavy objects. These comprised about one third of reported claims and included sprains, strains, and inflammation. The second most common type of claim was for trip and fall injuries, followed by impact with objects and structures.

The reports came from nearly every industry. While it is possible to be injured in any occupation, certain industries had higher rates of specific types of injuries than others. For example, construction workers were more likely than workers in other industries to suffer falls on construction sites and gas station workers were more likely to suffer injuries from motor vehicle accidents.

Compensation packages ranged from approximately $17,000 to more than $100,000, depending on the severity of the worker’s injury. Less serious, less expensive injuries like sprains and strains were far more common than expensive injuries such as those involving amputations and dislocations. Overall, workplace injuries and deaths cost American employers approximately $170 billion each year, according to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration.

Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Help Injured Workers Seek Compensation for Workplace Injuries

If you were injured at work and are seeking benefits through a Workers’ Compensation claim, we urge you to speak with an experienced Cherry Hill Workers’ Compensation lawyer from DiTomaso Law to ensure that your rights are protected. Complete our online inquiry form or call our office today at 856-414-0010 to schedule a free consultation with a skilled member of our legal team. Our office is located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and we work with clients from Philadelphia and South Jersey.