There are a lot of risks both hidden and obvious in the workplace. These risks pose a threat to worker safety, leaving many men and women vulnerable to serious workplace injuries. Many even end up needing to take time off work and missing out on valuable income. The actual number of work injuries could be much higher too, as some victims never report their injuries to employers.
The prevalence of work injuries
Workplace safety regulations have come a long way and protect New Jersey workers perhaps better than ever before. Unfortunately, this has not brought an end to workplace injuries. In 2019 alone, workers missed an average of a cumulative 105 million days. The workers most likely to be affected by serious injuries requiring time off work were employed in the following industries:
- Government
- Health and educational services
- Manufacturing
Most common accidents
While no two work injuries are exactly alike, a few different accidents tend to cause the majority of injuries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overexertion, contact with objects and slip-and-fall accidents are the top three causes of nonfatal work injuries that require days off. Other common causes of these types of injuries include:
- Transportation accidents
- Exposure to harmful environments or substances
- Violence caused by animals or people
Although serious workplace injuries can vary, they tend to have the same detrimental impact on victims. Those who need to take time off work to recover often find that they struggle with their finances as a result of lost wages and medical bills. In New Jersey, workers’ compensation benefits are often key to bridging the financial gap created by work injuries.