Hot weather, sleep deprivation and irregular work schedules may all contribute to possible safety hazards at work. In 2013, employers incurred $62 billion in costs related to workplace accidents involving employees who missed six or more days of work as a result. This was according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics as well as the National Academy of Social Insurance. Falls and repetitive motion injuries were the cause of the majority of those costs.
Workplace injuries can happen in an location and to any type of worker. For instance, Las Vegas went through a stretch in 2007 and 2008 that saw an average of one construction worker dying every six weeks. That translated to 12 deaths in that 18-month period. Office workers and field workers are equally susceptible to injuries such as muscle strains, which means that workplace safety programs should be tailored to keep all workers healthy.
Employers are urged to make worker safety a core issue as opposed to just a priority. By doing so, it creates a culture where the safety and overall well-being of employees becomes a natural part of doing business. Both employers and employees are responsible for and empowered to follow and improve safety protocols if necessary.
Those who are hurt in a workplace injury accident may be entitled to reimbursement of medical expenses as well as a portion of their salary. Injured workers may be granted benefits on a temporary basis or on a permanent basis if they aren’t able to go back to work. Talking to an attorney may be helpful for those who have questions about the workers’ compensation process or who may have had their claims denied.