Approximately 162 million people are employed in The United States alone. However, a large portion of those workers have experienced a work-related injury at one time or another. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has shared that the average number of work-related injuries per year in the U.S. is approximately 2.8 million. That’s a lot of injuries.
The top reasons for workplace injuries include exposure to harmful substances or environments, overexertion and bodily reaction, and slips, trips, and falls. Exposure to harmful substances or environments may include exposure to radiation, electricity, temperature extremes, air and water pressure changes, etc. With the recent pandemic, exposure may also imply coming in close contact with one infected with the COVID-19 virus. As for overexertion and bodily reaction, these injuries typically result from excessive physical effort such as lifting, pushing, or pulling, or from stress or strain due to repetitive motions. Slips, trips, and falls sometimes happen when safety measures are ignored. For example, wet floors without the proper signage can create an unfortunate situation. However, falls can also happen due to collapsing structures and unsteady equipment.
As an employee, it is important to understand that work accidents and illnesses can occur at any given time. While some injuries may appear immediately, some complications may take years to present. All businesses must take proper safety procedures to limit workplace injuries. Most accidents are preventable with the right safety measures enforced. If you feel that your place of employment is not meeting safety requirements and standards, speak up before it’s too late!
Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
If you or someone you know has suffered from a work-related illness or injury, reach out to Dougherty Leventhal & Price today. Our attorneys are here to help! Remember… Injury? Call DLP. (570) C-A-L-L-D-L-P.
Sources
“Top Work-Related Injury Causes.” Injury Facts, 9 Jan. 2023, injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/work-overview/top-work-related-injury-causes/.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 15 Dec. 2023, www.bls.gov/.
