In these times, many workers in Ohio find themselves lucky to have a job. Though this may be an accurate view, it does not mean that these individuals are free from risk while on the job. Working in itself is a risk that can create both short- and long-term consequences for an employee, some through performing labor for long periods of time and others through workplace accidents.
Some of the most common injuries that workers experience depend on the industry that they are operating in. For workers at Hobby Lobby, an official with the company said that lacerations are common. The official added that this is because of the large amount of glass that the company carries and lacerations still occur despite the fact that gloves are provided. Other companies see their employees sustain sprains and strains. In these cases, it may be the physical demand of the job, not the inherent risk of the product being handled.
According to the National Council on Compensation Insurance, accident frequency has increased for the first time in five years. This incline may be due to a number of reasons, including increased hours per worker due to a smaller workforce or the fact that in some sectors, the workforce is aging. Older individuals are often more susceptible to injury while on the job.
With medical costs having doubled in the last decade, an injury can be expensive. This is why workers’ compensation claims exist, so the employer can pay for the care and recuperation needed to address an injury acquired while on the job. If you or a loved one have been hurt at work, consider seeking legal advice to determine the next steps. A workers’ compensation claim may be filed but if the situation has negligence involved, it may be another case entirely.
Source: Property Casualty 360, “Risk Managers Share Insights on Workers’ Comp Success,” March 19, 2013