In a big move that will allow for more transparency when it comes to understanding workplace incidents, the National Safety Council has launched a “workplace” section to its “injury facts” database. This will provide employers with trends and information on injuries.
The information that is now available is letting us take a closer look at the reality that workers in San Diego, and across the country, face on a day-to-day basis.
Do you know what to do if you are injured in a workplace accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence?
When you need a work injury attorney in San Diego, you can count on the experienced and knowledgeable team at Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP to be by your side, working to secure the compensation you deserve.
The Statistics
We want to show you some of the things this new database has uncovered:
- On-the-job fatalities rose 7.3 percent in 2016. The rise is attributed to transportation, falls, and violence.
- The construction industry experienced the most worker deaths, followed by transportation and warehouse jobs.
- Workplace injuries cost the US $151 billion annually.
- In 2016, the US experienced 4,398 preventable workplace deaths.
- There were 4.5 million work-related medically consulted injuries.
The top three leading causes of work-related injuries are:
- Overexertion and bodily reaction
- Contact with objects and equipment
- Slips, trips, and falls
“We are eight times safer at work than we are at home, but the data reminds us that our workplaces could still be much safer,” said Ken Kolosh, NSC manager of statistics.
While many of the injuries discussed above are what people commonly think of when it comes to workplace accidents, we want to point out some others that may not be as obvious.
Millions of Americans suffer from work-related repetitive stress injuries. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common, but there are others. These injuries often develop over time due to a worker having to repeat the same motion over and over again. These injuries are harder to pinpoint on work-related causes.
Mental health issues can also arise, especially in high-stress jobs. Often, we see mental health illnesses like depression and anxiety manifest in social workers, law enforcement personnel, firefighters, management positions and more. Workers compensation should cover these injuries, but again, it is hard to pinpoint the exact cause of these injuries. An employer or insurance company may try to say the cause is not work-related.
What You Can Do
If someone else’s negligence has caused your workplace injury, seek legal assistance today. We know how devastating workplace accidents can be. Not only will they cause you to incur medical expenses, but you may not be able to work while you heal. This could significantly impact you and your family. Even worse, there may be times when workers’ compensation either denies you coverage or does not offer enough to cover your expenses. At Hiden, Rott & Oertle, LLP, we want to help. You can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling our office.