August 25, 2021 | Workers' compensation

Work-related injuries and illnesses are more common than most people think. They can happen to just about any employee, whether you work as a construction worker or as an administrative assistant. All workers are at risk of being injured. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 2.8 workers out of every 100 fulltime employees were injured at work in 2019.

It is important to understand the circumstances around workplace injuries in order to take appropriate actions to prevent them. However, if you’ve been injured while on the job, you should get in touch with a workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. If you’re in Omaha, NE or Lincoln, NE and are searching for a workers comp lawyer, get in touch with us. We’re experienced workers’ compensation attorneys. We can help you with your case.

The 10 most dangerous jobs

You are at risk of suffering a work-related injury or illness no matter what industry or position you hold. However, there are some jobs that present more risks than others. The jobs below are ranked by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics based on the average number of fatalities between 2006 and 2018.

1. Logging workers
2. Fishing workers
3. Pilots
4. Roofers
5. Garbage collectors and recyclers
6. Truck drivers
7. Farmers
8. Structural iron and steel workers
9. Construction workers
10. Landscapers and grounds keepers

Employers of these workers are required to take extra precaution to ensure the safety of their staff. Workers are required to receive proper training to ensure that they have the right skills and adequate knowledge to work safely.

Common workplace injuries in Nebraska

Nebraska has seen a decrease in the number of work-related injuries reported in the past few years. Fatalities in Nebraska fell from 83 fatalities in 1994 to a low of 35 fatalities in 2017. The number of reported work-related fatalities in Nebraska rose to 44 in 2018.

The BLS reports that 20,400 non-fatal work-related injuries were reported in Nebraska in 2019. 10, 600 of these cases were considered more severe in nature. These cases involved workers having to take days away from work, being transferred or suffering restrictions.

Some of the most common injuries suffered in the workplace include:

• Concussion
• Spinal cord injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Burns
• Amputated or crushed limbs
• Cuts, lacerations and punctures
• Fractures or broken bones
• Herniated discs
• Soft tissue injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries

Common causes of work-related injuries and illnesses

Employers are required to provide a safe working environment for their workers. They should also ensure that their workers are adequately trained to ensure their own safety. Nebraska also requires employers to have workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation is designed to provide injured workers with a financial cushion when dealing with their injuries.

The following are some of the most common causes of work-related injuries or illnesses.

• Overexertion and bodily reaction

Overexertion can happen to workers in any position. It is often the result of doing more than you can physically handle. Overexertion can result in impaired judgment, inattention to details as well as slowed reflexes. Workers may also suffer stress and mental fatigue as a result of overexertion.

Overexertion can also occur when workers’ tasks involve repetitive motions such as in a line assembly or typing in an office. These repetitive movements can result in strain or stress on particular parts of the body. For example, administrative workers can develop carpal tunnel from typing for long hours.

• Slips, trips and falls

These can be caused by wet floors, unsafe structures, cluttered areas and much more. Accidents can result in a wide variety of injuries ranging from minor scrapes and bruises to more serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries and death.

• Workplace violence and other injuries by persons or animals

Approximately 2 million workers suffer injuries as a result of workplace violence. Workplace violence and injuries may involve physical assaults by colleagues or visitors to the work premises or attacks by animals such as dogs while carrying out work-related tasks such as deliveries.

• Accidents related to machinery, tools or equipment

Employers have the responsibility of ensuring that workers are adequately trained to handle machinery and equipment. Equipment and machinery should also be maintained to avoid accidents. Accidents involving heavy machinery often result in severe injuries such as deep cuts, fractures, broken bones, amputations and even death.

• Fire and explosions

Fires and explosions are often the result of human error. They may result from improper use of heating or electrical equipment or their improper storage and maintenance. Fires and explosions can result in exposure to harmful chemicals that can cause respiratory problems. They can also result in burns that can be disfiguring or life threatening.

What to do when injured

If you have suffered a work-related injury or illness, it is your right to seek workers’ compensation. If you’re in Omaha, NE or Lincoln, NE, get in touch with us. We’ll help you fight for just compensation for your injuries.

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