Common Workplace Injuries In Alabama
Dothan attorneys assert your rights in workers’ compensation claims
Despite stringent government safety rules and regulations, workplace injuries are still disturbing frequent. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that private industry employers recorded 2.8 million nonfatal injuries and illnesses in 2022. According to the National Safety Council, workplace injuries cost $167 billion in 2022 in terms of lost wages and productivity, medical expenses and administrative expenses. For the injured worker, a more relevant result is how much the accident will cost them in medical bills, lost wages and other losses. At Carey & Hamner, P.C. in Dothan, we work to get Alabama accident victims the full compensation that they deserve.
Most common worker injuries in Alabama
According to the National Safety Council, the leading categories of workplace injury events are:
- Exposure to harmful substances or environments — This includes exposure to electricity, radiation, noise, temperature extremes, air and water pressure change, harmful substances, contagious and infectious diseases and oxygen deficiency.
- Overexertion and bodily reaction — Nonimpact injuries can include repetitive stress injuries and reactions to traumatic events.
- Falls, slips and trips — These include instances where workers “catch themselves” before they fall to the surface.
- Contact with objects/equipment — This includes impacts with moving or stationary objects, as well as workers being “caught in-between” objects or mechanisms.
- Transportation incidents — These include vehicle accidents.
- Violence and other injuries by persons or animals — This includes workplace assaults.
- Fire and explosions
The top three causes predominate, accounting for 71 percent of workplace injuries.
Ways to avoid workplace injuries
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides guidelines to reduce the likelihood of a worker injury. Safety precautions are often industry specific. In general, there should be regular maintenance of the workplace to remove and remediate hazards. Workers engaged in occupations that put them at risk should utilize personal safety equipment. They should also know their physical limitations and not undertake tasks that expose them to unnecessary risk or injury, such as heavy lifting. Employers should provide workers with proper training, so that they understand the protocols for avoiding injuries.
Reasons employers fail to implement safety precautions
Some employers do not emphasize safety enough, perhaps viewing safety training as a cost-added rather than cost-saving exercise. Facing time pressures and budget constraints, they might send untrained and inexperienced workers into circumstances where hazards have not been explained.
Professions with the highest worker injury rates
Certain occupations are inherently riskier than others. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most dangerous occupations for American workers are:
- Logging
- Roofing
- Fishing and hunting
- Construction
- Airline pilots
- Drivers
- Refuse collectors
- Iron and steel workers
- Miners
Even the occupations we consider perfectly safe have their risks. A writer or data-entry worker can develop painful and disabling carpal tunnel syndrome, requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation. The key is knowing the risks for your occupation and taking appropriate precautions to prevent injury.
Damages for common work-related injuries
Workers’ compensation benefits are usually the sole remedy against your employer for a workplace injury. If your employer denies you the benefits you’re entitled to receive, a Dothan workers’ compensation lawyer at our firm can examine your case and recommend a course of action. We manage appeals of workers’ comp claim denials. We also negotiate disability settlements for workers who are unable to return to gainful employment.
Contact our skillful Dothan workplace injury lawyer for a free consultation
Carey & Hamner, P.C. represents workers who suffer from job-related injuries in Dothan and throughout Alabama. Call 855-435-4797 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today. If you are unable to visit our office due to your injuries, we can come to you.
