Understanding On-the-Job Injuries Stats & More
The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks and keeps records of on-the-job injuries and fatalities. Nobody goes to work thinking they may get seriously injured that day, but there are many factors that can contribute to an on-the-job injury. Fatigue and lack of sleep, unsafe structures, defective equipment, careless coworkers, etcetera can all cause an incident to occur. One of the most common injuries are slips/trips and falls. According to the BLS, in 2013, severe occupational injuries and illnesses actually decreased. The rate was 109.4 cases per 10,000 full-time workers.
Here we share interesting statistics about length of recovery and missed workdays, from the BLS:
In 2013, there were 1,162,210 days-away-from-work cases in private industry, state government, and local government, essentially the same number of reported injuries and illnesses as in 2012. The median days away from work to recuperate–a key measure of severity of injuries and illnesses–was 8 days in 2013, one fewer than reported in 2012.
Physical injuries aren’t the only thing that can lead to a workers compensation case. Becoming ill from being exposed to something at work, such as second-hand smoke, chemicals or irritants, is also considered an on-the-job injury. Whether you fall, are hurt by a machine or piece of equipment, or become ill – the question is, does your injury or illness qualify as a workers compensation case?
In Oklahoma, employees can be fired for any reason. But there are exceptions to this rule, times when an employer CANNOT fire you. Including:
- Discrimination based on age, sex, gender, race, religion or disability
- Serving on a jury
- Voting
- Pursuing one’s rights to worker’s compensation
Certain industries are more prone to injury. Dockworkers, Manual Laborers, Landscapers and Tree-trimmers, Construction workers, Warehouse Workers, and Transportation Workers. Yes, being in an auto accident when performing tasks for your employer is considered an at-work accident and is potentially a workers compensation claim. Remember, it does not matter how long you’ve worked for an employer to qualify for workers compensation. If it is your second day on the job and a coworker bumps you with a forklift and knocks you down, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks illnesses and injuries by industry. These statistics are readily available online. So if you are considering entering a high-risk industry – or, are wondering how risky your desired industry is, you can make some deductions based on the BLS statistics. Our Oklahoma based workers compensation law firm also examines at-work injury statistics as part of our constant effort to understand these cases. We are here to advise you or a loved one anytime you suffer a work accident or illness in the Oklahoma City area.