Understanding the risks that could cause a workplace accident could be helpful in preventing those accidents from occurring. When an accident does take place, a company could face considerable fines and other penalties, especially if the incident could potentially have been prevented. Other than penalties, an outcome of an accident could be than an employee becomes injured, and he or she could possibly be eligible for workers’ compensation.
It was recently reported that two of the top causes of workplace injuries are overexertion and falls. Illinois was listed in that report at being the state with the fourth highest percentage of falls on the job due to icy conditions. It was also stated that slipping and falling was the cause for approximately one-third of the workers’ compensation claims in Midwestern states.
Overexertion was also high on the list for causing workplace injuries. These injuries typically took place when a worker attempted to lift, hold, carry, throw or perform other actions that proved too much for the worker. In 2012, overexertion accounted for approximately 25 percent of injuries that took place on the job and cost companies approximately $15 billion.
While it would be ideal for workers to never be injured while performing their workplace duties, it is an unrealistic expectation. Luckily, workers’ compensation may be able to assist injured workers by providing benefits that could potentially help with medical costs and loss of income. Illinois workers who have been injured due to falls, overexertion or other workplace accidents may wish to find out whether they could possibly qualify for such benefits.
Source: claimsjournal.com, “Top 10 Causes of Workplace Injuries: Liberty Mutual“, Denise Johnson, Jan. 14, 2015