Some of the biggest industries in Pennsylvania include engineering firms, hotels, private health care firms and professional sports franchises. Across this broad array of industries, workers risk getting injured on the job. The majority of accidents are caused by three main factors.
Overexertion
The most common cause of workers’ compensation claims is due to exertion of the body. Many overexertion injuries are non-impact injuries that are just a result of excessive physical effort. Some of these activities include lifting, pushing, carrying, holding, turning and even throwing. Also in this category is repetitive motion injuries. These injuries result from micro-tasks that are done on a repetitive basis, such as the lifting of objects back and forth.
Slips, trips and falls
The second most common cause of workers’ compensation claims is due to slips, trips and falls in the workplace. Many times, employees fall on the same level by tripping over an object like the carpet or a cord. In other cases, employees may fall to a lower level due to a collapsing structure, fall from a ladder or fall from scaffolding.
Contact with equipment or objects
The third leading cause of workers’ compensation claims is employees getting injured due to contact with equipment and objects. There are various ways that a worker can get injured on the job: The object may be moving and strike the worker, or the worker may strike against the object or piece of equipment by stepping on, kicking or even being pushed into it. Workers who are caught in a collapsing structure or are compressed in a piece of equipment also fall into this category.
Every worker has the right to be able to work in a safe environment. Unfortunately, accidents do occur. When workplace injuries happen, workers’ compensation is there to prevent financial hardship while an employee is recovering. If a worker has difficulty filing their claim or getting approved for benefits, an attorney may offer assistance.