No one is immune from the risk of getting hurt at work. However, if an injury occurs while you are on the job, then it is often your employer who has to take responsibility for it. As a result, the affected employee often will qualify for workers’ compensation. It’s a critical benefit that can prove instrumental in helping them in their recovery.
Through workers’ compensation income, employers can provide employees with income support, medical bill assistance and other financial aid during their time away due to a workplace injury. Still, employers are also obligated to be prepared for anything by keeping as safe a workplace as possible.
To be a responsible employer, it helps to know exactly what your workers’ compensation claims risks are within your operation. There are many that are common to any operation, and the more prepared you are for them, the better. Keep these common injury risks in mind when planning your risk management strategy.
Sprains, Strains and Repetitive Motion Injuries
Small injuries from even the most basic accidents might still prove exceptional for the victim. A pulled muscle, torn tendon or overexertion can happen in the blink of an eye and cause a lot of pain, not to mention an extensive amount of recovery time and medical bills. These injuries often happen due to lifting heavy objects or doing other physical work. However, even activities as simple as typing on a keyboard all day can eventually cause significant chronic injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Slips and Falls
An employee could fall and get hurt in your business in any situation, at any time. Even if an employee were to fall in the break room or bathroom, they often will qualify for workers’ compensation. It’s up to you to institute as strong a risk management program as possible to keep this common risk low.
Falling Objects
Head injuries are more frequent than you might think. Someone might sustain harm in any office setting when trying to reach an object on a high shelf. Or, restaurant workers being accidentally hit with a piece of equipment. The list of potential risks goes on.
Vehicle Related Incidents
Commercial vehicle accidents are a leading cause of fatality-related workers’ compensation claims. If one of your delivery drivers gets severely injured in a wreck while on a delivery, they will likely want to file a workers compensation claim. In the case of death, workers compensation benefits will go to a surviving family member, which can substantially reduce their burden for the loss of their loved one.
Although you keep your employees as safe as possible, it’s important to have a reliable workers compensation policy in case of an accident. Speak to one of our agents to learn more about how to tailor your plan to your advantage.