Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Lawyer Blog
When an employee misses six or more days of work due to an on-the-job injury, it is considered a “serious” workplace injury. According to the 2017 Liberty Mutual Insurance Workplace Safety Index, these serious injuries and accidents cost U.S. employers about $59.9 billion in 2014. The study, which has been conducted for each of the past 17 years, seeks to help employers concentrate on the most important areas of workplace safety.
What Are the Top 10 Leading Causes of Serious Workplace Injuries in Massachusetts and Nationwide?
Although any work-related accident can result in serious injuries, the following 10 causes accounted for more than 83 percent of the total $59.9 billion spent nationwide in 2014. And the top three causes collectively represent nearly half of that total.
- Overexertion
- Same level falls
- Falls to a lower level
- Struck by an object
- Other types of overexertion or bodily reaction
- Roadway accidents involving motor vehicles
- Slip or trip accidents without a fall
- Being caught in or compressed by an object or objects
- Struck against an object
- Repetitive motions related to micro-tasks
“Each year, we rank the top 10 causes of the most serious, nonfatal workplace injuries by their direct costs to help companies better protect employees and the bottom-line,” reports Liberty Mutual spokesperson Debbie Michel. “Workplace injuries impact both employees and employers. Injured employees face potential physical, emotional and financial harm. Employers face the direct costs of workplace injuries – medical care related to the accident and some portion of an injured employee’s pay – and the indirect costs, including hiring temporary employees, lost productivity, and quality disruptions.”
When compared to the 2016 report, the top 10 causes of serious workplace accidents remained the same. However, the share of those 10 causes in the cost of total workplace accidents grew from 82.5 percent in 2016 to 83.4 percent in 2017. Roadway accidents and same level falls continued the upward trend while overexertion saw a substantial decrease. These results help companies like Liberty Mutual advise employers of how to effectively reduce serious workplace accidents. If you’ve been injured in a serious workplace accident, it’s crucial to consult with a skilled MA serious workplace injury lawyer. Your employer will prioritize his or her best interests. You should do the same.
Which Occupations Have Highest Risk of Serious Workplace Injuries?
Although certain occupations have a greater risk of serious workplace injuries, you can be injured while performing any type of job duty, from secretarial work to fighting fires. The occupations below have some of the highest rate of workers’ comp claims for serious workplace injuries:
- Laborers
- Truck drivers
- Nurses and nursing aides
- Construction workers
- Carpenters
If you have suffered any of the above injuries, or have experienced another type of workplace injury such as carpal tunnel syndrome or chemical burns, it is in your best interest to hire an experienced Boston work injury lawyer right away. The right representation can ensure that you obtain the compensation you deserve in a timely manner.
Altman & Altman, LLP – Work Injury Lawyers Serving All of Massachusetts
If you have been injured in a work-related accident, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. Although workers’ compensation is generally available to workers who suffer on-the-job injuries, the application process can be dauntingly complex. A minor error can result in delayed or reduced benefits. Further, if negligence played a role in your injuries, you may be entitled to additional compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical expenses. At Altman & Altman, LLP, we have an impressive track record of obtaining compensation for our clients. It is our goal to get you the compensation you deserve so that you can get on with your life. If you’ve been injured, we can help. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.
