Did you know that every day, about 12 workers die as a result of injuries sustained on the job? And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Every year, millions of workers are injured in accidents that could have been prevented. If you’re a business owner, it’s important to understand some key facts about work-related injuries so you can better protect your employees.
Here are 7 things you should know.
What is Work-Related Injury?
Work-related injuries include incidents that happen while the worker is on the job site, as well as those that occur due to exposure to hazardous materials or harmful environments. Work-related injuries can also include repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, and psychological disorders caused by work-related stress.
On the other hand, there is a difference between work-related injuries and personal injuries. For a business owner, it is important to recognize what defines a personal injury, as workers’ compensation does not cover these injuries. Personal injuries are typically physical injuries that occur off the job site and are not suffered in the course of performing work duties. Some examples of personal injuries include slips and falls on private property, motor vehicle accidents, and assaults that take place away from work.
However, there are some cases where the line between work-related and personal injuries can be blurred. For example, if an employee is injured in a car accident while on the job, it may be considered a work-related injury. Similarly, if an employee is injured as a result of workplace violence, it may also be considered a work-related injury.
Who is at Risk?
While any worker can be injured on the job, certain occupations tend to be more dangerous than others. Construction workers, for example, are at a higher risk for work-related injuries due to the nature of their job. Similarly, workers in the food industry, healthcare industry, and transportation industry are also at a greater risk for injuries.
Additionally, certain workers are more vulnerable to injuries due to their age or physical condition. For example, young workers are more likely to be injured on the job than older workers, and employees who are pregnant or have a preexisting health condition are also at a higher risk.
What Are the Most Common Work-Related Injuries?
The most common type of work-related injury is a musculoskeletal disorder, such as back pain or carpal tunnel syndrome. These injuries are often caused by repetitive motions or lifting heavy objects. Other common types of work-related injuries include slips, trips, and falls; cuts, lacerations, punctures; and burns.
Several injuries are specific to certain industries. For example, construction workers often suffer from falls, electrical burns, and ladder accidents, while workers in the food industry often suffer from cuts and burns.
Proper Training and Equipment
One of the best ways for business owners to reduce the risk of work-related injuries is to ensure that their employees are properly trained and have the necessary equipment to do their job safely. Employers should also regularly inspect the workplace to identify any potential hazards.
This means that business owners need to have a clear understanding of the hazards associated with their industry and take steps to mitigate those risks. For example, if you own a construction company, you should provide your workers with fall protection equipment and train them on how to safely use that equipment. Similarly, if you own a food processing plant, you should have policies and procedures in place to prevent slips and falls.
Workers’ Compensation
If an employee is injured on the job, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to the injury. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, which means that employees are not required to prove that their employer was at fault to receive benefits. However, workers’ compensation is generally not available for personal injuries.
Workers’ compensation is a mandatory program in most states, meaning that employers are required to provide coverage for their employees. However, there are a few states that do not have a workers’ compensation program. In these states, business owners are responsible for providing their own insurance coverage for employees.
In Mississippi, the Unemployment Compensation Law requires employers to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. This law applies to all businesses with one or more employees, with a few exceptions. Business owners who are found to violate the Unemployment Compensation Law may be subject to civil and criminal penalties.
Reporting Work-Related Injuries
Employers are required to report any work-related injuries that result in the employee being absent from work for more than one day. This reporting requirement applies to both workers’ compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits.
Reporting injuries is important because it helps employers track the number of injuries that occur in the workplace and allows them to make necessary changes to improve safety. It also helps ensure that employees who are injured on the job receive the benefits they are entitled to.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for enforcing workplace safety standards. OSHA requires employers to keep a record of all work-related injuries and illnesses. These records must be made available to OSHA upon request.
Legal Issues
There are several legal issues that business owners should be aware of when it comes to work-related injuries. For example, employees may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit if they are injured on the job. In addition, employers may be liable for damages in workers’ compensation claims.
Business owners need to consult with an MVP Accident Attorneys to ensure that they comply with all applicable laws. An attorney can also help business owners develop policies and procedures to prevent and respond to work-related injuries.
If you are a business owner in Mississippi, you must understand the laws and regulations governing workplace safety. You should also ensure that your employees are properly trained and have the necessary equipment to do their job safely. If an employee is injured on the job, be sure to report the injury to OSHA and the workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
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