According to a review of more than 1.5 million workers’ compensation claims, strains and sprains are the most commonly reported types of work-related injuries. The Injury Impact Report reviews workers’ comp claims filed between 2010 and 2014 by businesses from various industries.
The data revealed the following top 5 injuries:
- Strains & Sprains
- Cuts or Punctures
- Contusions
- Inflammation
- Fractures
When it comes to small businesses, cuts and punctures occur more frequently than strains or sprains. In the construction and manufacturing industries, eye injuries are among the most commonly reported injuries. Amputations, dislocations, electric shock, crushing, and multiple trauma injuries, have the highest incurred costs. However, these types of severe injuries happen less frequently than the injuries we have previously discussed.
Common Causes of Worker Injuries
The following scenarios frequently result in injuries for workers:
- Material Handling
- Slips, Trips, & Falls
- Struck by or Colliding with an Object
- Accidents Involving Tools
- Overuse or Strain of a Person’s Body
The Injury Impact Report revealed that strains and sprains account for 57 missed workdays, while cuts and punctures accounted for 24 days of missed work. Inflammation and fractures were responsible for the most time away from work, accounting for 91 and 78 days of missed work, respectively. According to Woody Dwyer, second vice president of the Workers’ Compensation, Risk Control, Travelers, “The most common injuries we see can often be prevented if the proper safety measures are in place, if safety issues are promptly addressed and if leaders continuously emphasize a culture of safety with employees.”
Have you or a loved one suffered an injury at work? Was your workers’ comp claim denied? We can help. At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we have helped numerous workers seek compensation for their injuries. Our team understands that insurance companies are concerned with their own bottom line. We know that injured workers often need legal representation to pursue the full benefits they are entitled to. Let us put our skills and experience to work for you.
Contact our Hickory team of workers’ compensation lawyers to get started on your free consultation.
