Every job has occupational risks attached, even those that seem relatively safe and straightforward. After all, sprains, strains, bumps and bruises can happen in any workplace, and when they do, they might prove exceptionally painful and cause far-reaching harm.
Luckily, most employers are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which will provide extensive income support, medical benefits and other financial support to employees injured on the job. Still, it’s important for employers to do all they can to prevent workers’ compensation injuries. Part of being prepared for these liabilities is to be cognizant of what they are.
Below are just a few of the most common workers’ compensation claims made today. Though they might not be the most expensive or the riskiest, they can occur in almost any business at any time.
1. Sprains, Strains and Repetitive Motion Injuries
Small injuries from even the most basic accidents might still prove exceptional for the victim. A pulled muscle, torn tendon or overexertion can happen in the blink of an eye and cause a lot of pain, not to mention an extensive amount of recovery time and medical bills. These injuries often happen due to lifting heavy objects or doing other physical work. However, even activities as simple as typing on a keyboard all day can eventually cause significant chronic injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.
2. Slips and Falls
An employee could fall and get hurt in your business in any situation, at any time. Even if an employee were to fall in the break room or bathroom, they often will qualify for workers’ compensation. It’s up to you to institute as strong a risk management program as possible to keep this common risk low.
3. Electricity
Though electrocution, shocks and burns primarily happen in the contracting and manufacturing industries, no business is immune to them. Even a single faulty wire could cause a severe electric shock to an unfortunate passerby. More severe shocks could lead to cardiac arrest, nerve damage or significant burns. Businesses must do all they can to make sure everything is working properly.
4. Falling Objects
Head injuries are more frequent than you might think. Someone might sustain harm in any office setting when trying to reach an object on a high shelf. Or restaurant workers being accidentally hit with a piece of equipment. The list of potential risks goes on.
5. Vehicle Related Incidents
Commercial vehicle accidents are a leading cause of fatality-related workers’ compensation claims. If one of your delivery drivers gets severely injured in a wreck while on a delivery, they will likely want to file a workers compensation claim. In the case of death, workers compensation benefits will go to a surviving family member, which can substantially reduce their burden for the loss of their loved one.
Although you keep your employees as safe as possible, it’s important to have a reliable workers compensation policy in case of an accident. Speak to one of our agents to learn more about how to tailor your plan to your advantage.
Also Read: When Should You File a Workers Compensation Claim
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