In any industry, workers face the possibility of workplace accidents and injuries. According to data gathered by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly three million Americans report a workplace injury each year, and more than 5,200 workers die on the job in 2021. Employers must provide safe and conducive work environments for their employees. Various regulatory bodies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are keen on ensuring employees are safe.

The most common workplace injuries are associated with:

Overexertion and bodily reaction
It is the leading cause of accidents in the workplace. It can be caused by lifting, pulling, and carrying work equipment or material. Overexertion injuries cause muscle strain. Individuals who conduct repetitive manual tasks over a long time with no breaks can experience overexertion.

Transportation accidents
A transportation worker faces a variety of occupational hazards due to the nature of their work and the unique challenges associated with transportation-related activities.

Falls, slips, and trips
Agriculture workers were added to warehouse and transportation employees as being most at risk for these accidents, with strains, sprains, and tears being the most common injuries.

Falling objects injuries
High-risk industries have a higher probability of accidents from falling objects such as debris, poorly stacked loads, or poor handling of machinery. Injuries from falling objects can cause fractures, head injuries, or blindness.

Contact with objects or equipment
Construction, transportation, and warehouse employees were most affected by this kind of accident, which most commonly causes punctures, cuts, and lacerations.

What should I do after I’m hurt in a workplace accident?

1. Your health should always be your primary concern. Obtain first aid or any other necessary medical treatment as soon as possible.
2. Notify your employer of your injury as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after the accident.
3. Call Krol, Bongiorno & Given. Once you have received necessary emergency medical treatment, your next step is to call an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.

When you or a loved one is hurt in the workplace, you want an experienced lawyer to help you pursue all the benefits available through a workers’ compensation claim. For immediate help with a work injury case, call (312) 726-5567 for a free consultation or contact us online.

Krol, Bongiorno & Given provides legal services to residents in the Chicago metropolitan area, including Cook County, DeKalb County, DuPage County, Grundy County, Kankakee County, Kane County, Kendall County, McHenry County, and Will County.