Some facts and figures out of Eagan show that more than 20 percent of Americans have been injured on the job at one time or another and Minnesota is no exception.
According to a findlaw.com survey, twenty percent of American adults say that they have suffered an on-the-job injury that was serious enough for them to have to take time off. The majority of these injuries involve repetitive motion, slip-and-fall, and musculoskeletal injuries. There are even some that are the result of falling objects, getting pinned behind large objects, and many more. Here is what was found:
- 31% reported slips and falls
- 20% reported repetitive motion injuries, such as carpal tunnel
- 17% were injured by machinery or they were struck by a falling object
- 12% reported motor vehicle accidents while on the job
- 37% reported musculoskeletal injuries, such as lifting, overexertion, and back pain
- 3% received chemical or heat burns
- 5% were injured due to workplace violence
- 9% were injured in other accidents not specified in the survey
The figures in the survey total more than 100% because some of those surveyed had received multiple injuries on the job.
It was also found that more men than women were injured on the job. The figures are sixteen percent of women and twenty-six percent of men. Men are more likely to be struck by an object or injured by machinery. Women are more likely to acquire injuries due to repetitive motion. All are at risk for slips and falls, overexertion, motor vehicle accidents, and men are more likely to acquire burns when working at plants, factories, and warehouses. All are also equally susceptible to workplace violence.
In regards to the workers’ compensation Minnesota workers rely on to help them in their recovery, all of the injuries stated above are qualifying injuries.
Nonetheless, these injuries are not just limited to construction work or manufacturing. Even office environments can result in carpal tunnel syndrome, heavy lifting injuries, slip-and-fall accidents, physical assault of some kind, or motor vehicle accidents.
In most states, including Minnesota, workers’ comp applies to injuries sustained on-the-job. There are many laws that are in place to help ensure the safety of employees in the workplace, but they do not always prevent injuries. This is why it is important for employers to understand the benefits that are available to the injured worker and for the injured worker to understand the employer’s obligations.
As for when a person files for work comp benefits, legal help may be necessary to secure them. Once the benefits are received, they include monetary compensation, medical care, and possible vocational training if a person must enter into another field of work because their injuries will not allow them to. Even when a person is injured for the long-term, workers’ comp focuses on helping them return to work in some capacity, while providing services vital to recovery. For those permanently injured who cannot ever return to work, there are options available to ensure the quality of life.
