Have You Suffered These Common Workplace Injuries?

Workers in New Jersey understand the dangers of the many labor-based jobs they work. Though vital to developing New Jersey’s infrastructure and daily function, many of these jobs place workers in dangerous positions. The inherent risk in these jobs is what prompted the drafting of workers’ compensation laws.

Understanding these risks can help you avoid injury, loss of work and the psychological damages of sustained impairment. So, what are the most common workplace injuries?

Employers should take measures to avoid these common accidents

Not all jobs are dangerous, but even office workers risk injury with repetitive motion or warehouse accidents. Jobs that rely on physical labor tend to be more dangerous, however. According to the National Security Council (NSC), the top three leading causes of workplace accidents made up 84% of all non-fatal workplace accidents in 2018:

1. Overexertion and reactions: Most workplace injuries stem from excessive exertion trying to lift, push or pull something too heavy. This category also includes repetitive microtasks common in office and warehouse work.
2. Slip and fall: Gravity works hard to keep us connected to the ground — many workers receive this unwelcome reminder in the workplace where slip and falls make up the second most common injury.
3. Equipment injury: The third most common injuries occur when a piece of equipment, machinery or object strikes, squeezes or crushes a worker. Even injuries caused by the intense vibrations of some construction machinery fit under this category.

The NSC divides the other 16% of workplace accidents into five categories: transportation incidents, violence by people and animals, exposure to dangerous substances or locations, fire, and a final catch-all category.

Employers must cover injuries sustained on the job

For most of these injuries, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance should cover the cost of medical bills and even lost wages, if required. Unfortunately, many insurance companies deny requests for workers’ compensation. It may be a good idea to hire a local attorney familiar with New Jersey’s workers’ comp laws to help secure the coverage you deserve.