When starting a new job in Pennsylvania, workers must generally learn tasks, meet co-workers, take in company policies and adapt to a new environment. Unfortunately, being a new employee can also pose health and safety risks.
A study by the Institute for Work & Health indicates that employees in their first month at a new job are more than three times as likely to get injured on the job compared to workers who have been doing the same work for more than a year.
Researches have speculated about the reasons for this finding. One factor may be that workers who are just starting are still getting used to new tasks, some of which may be dangerous. Another theory is that new workers who are unsure about their rights and safety regulations may be afraid to speak up. New workers may also underestimate risks due to lack of experience and awareness.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, nearly one-third of injuries that required time off from work in 2013 were suffered by workers who had been at their job for one year or less. Nearly 25 percent of these injuries required the injured employee to spend more than a month away from work.
Employees who have been injured at work may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides medical coverage and wage replacement for workers injured on the job.
A person seeking workers’ compensation benefits might wish to speak to an attorney. Insurance companies may attempt to deny claims or limit benefits. An attorney could help an injured worker obtain the full amount of benefits to which they are entitled.