Serious workplace illnesses affect workers across Tennessee and their families. They also affect employers who can lose out on productivity and costs when a worker is unable to work. Because of this, it can be crucial for employees and employers alike to be aware of some of the most serious risks to a worker’s safety on the job.
According to statistics, there are three types of disabling injuries that are the most common. These three categories of injuries include falls, overexertion and bodily reaction.
- Falling injuries are fairly self-explanatory. They are those that are suffered when someone falls. This can include falling from a great height or even falling on the same level. Falls can result in head or back injuries that can prove to be quite serious. While it may not be possible to avoid all falling accidents, minimizing obstacles in walkways and providing workers with protective gear can help keep workers safer.
- Overexertion injuries are those suffered as a result of pushing beyond a body’s physical limits. This could include lifting boxes that are too heavy, stretching too far or staying in positions for extended periods of time that cause strain. In order to prevent overexertion injuries, employees and employers should understand and observe physical limitations. Further, employees should be adequately trained for physical demands and be allowed to take breaks or reduce workload when necessary.
- Bodily reaction injuries vary considerably based on a worker’s age, physical capabilities and injury history. Every person’s body reacts differently to things like near-falls and strained positions. These natural reactions can end up taking quite toll on a person’s body and result in serious pain and the need for medical treatment.
These three types of injuries can vary considerably in how they affect workers. One thing that can be similar across these cases, however, is that they can be disabling. In the event that a worker suffers from one of these disabling injuries, it may be necessary to explore the options of collecting benefits. Financial support can come in the form of workers’ compensation and/or Social Security disability benefits, and understanding how and if you are eligible to pursue these benefits can be crucial.