If you were hurt on the job, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Pennsylvanians suffer workplace injuries. Many rely on workers’ comp to pay for their medical care and to make ends meet. The workers’ compensation attorneys with Calhoon & Kaminsky P.C. are here to explain some of the most common injuries that require these claims, what causes them, and what employers can do to keep their workers safe.
At Calhoon & Kaminsky P.C., we understand the stress and uncertainty you may be facing. But our Pennsylvania work injury lawyers are here to help. We have the experience and skill to guide you through the claims process and protect your legal rights. Contact our firm now to get the support and guidance you need in a free initial case review.
Most Common Workers’ Comp Injuries in Pennsylvania
No one is truly safe from workplace injuries, not even those with relatively low-impact desk jobs. Let’s explore some of the most common types of injuries that give rise to workers’ comp claims in Pennsylvania:
- Traumatic brain injuries – Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur in any workplace. However, they’re prevalent in construction sites, factories, and warehouses. TBIs occur due to blows, jolts, or penetrating injuries to the head and can have complications that range from relatively mild concussions to severe and permanent brain damage.
- Spinal cord injuries – Spinal cord injuries are most common in workplaces that involve heavy machinery or strenuous labor. A spinal cord injury can result in a partial or total loss of sensation or function below the injury site.
- Musculoskeletal injuries – These injuries include strains, sprains, and tears to soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Many musculoskeletal injuries occur because of repetitive motions or heavy lifting at work.
- Slip, trip, and fall injuries – These occur when workers slip or trip and fall on the job due to unattended spills, clutter, or poor safety training. Falls can result in serious injuries, such as broken bones and head injuries.
- Back injuries – Back injuries are common among workers who perform heavy lifting or jobs that require lots of bending and twisting. They can range from minor sprains to severe herniated discs or spinal cord injuries.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome – Carpal tunnel is a common repetitive stress injury that affects the tendons, nerves, and bones in the hand and wrist, limiting range of motion.
- Tendonitis – Tendonitis refers to the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, a thick, fibrous cord that attaches muscle to bone. It commonly affects the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and heels.
- Psychological injuries – These types of injuries include chronic stress, depression, and anxiety that stem from work-related factors. A psychological injury can be just as debilitating as a physical one. However, workers with these injuries typically have a harder time getting benefits.
- Respiratory injuries – These injuries often occur because of exposure to toxic substances, such as chemicals, dust, smoke, or fumes. Respiratory injuries can lead to serious complications, like mesothelioma and other lung cancers.
- Hearing loss – This type of injury can occur due to prolonged exposure to loud noises at work. Many workers suffer from preventable hearing loss when their employers do not provide adequate hearing protection.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Worker Injuries?
Here are some of the most common causes of workplace accidents, injuries, illnesses, and fatalities in Pennsylvania:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Slip, trip, and fall accidents
- Repetitive motion strain
- Overexertion
- Chemical spills
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Exposure to dangerous sound levels
- Exposure to extreme temperatures
- Fires and explosions
- Electrical hazards
- Radiological hazards
- Biological hazards
- Contact with objects and equipment
- Poorly-maintained equipment
- Defective equipment
- Insufficient safety measures
- Lack of emergency preparedness
- Lack of proper safety equipment
- Lack of proper supervision
- Lack of proper job training
- Lack of fall protection
- Trench or scaffold collapses
- Poor workplace ergonomics
- Inadequate lighting
- Acts of violence by co-workers, patients, or customers
- Dog bites and animal attacks
How Can Employers Prevent These Work Injuries?
Preventing workplace accidents and injuries should be a top priority for every employer. Employers can keep their workplaces and employees safe by:
- Conducting regular safety audits to identify potential hazards and addressing issues before they lead to accidents or injuries
- Providing employees with proper safety training and personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent accidents and injuries
- Establishing safety protocols and procedures, such as emergency evacuation plans, to ensure that employees know what to do in emergencies
- Promoting a workplace culture where safety is a priority and encouraging employees to take an active role in promoting safety for others
- Conducting regular inspections and maintenance to ensure equipment is in good condition and safety features are functioning properly
- Taking steps to address ergonomic hazards, such as workstations that aren’t adjustable and repetitive tasks that can lead to musculoskeletal strains
- Supporting the mental health and well-being of employees by addressing factors like stress, burnout, workplace conflicts, and financial security
Statistics on Workplace Accidents and Injuries in Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and the Bureau of Labor Statistics have gathered the following data on workers’ comp injury statistics:
- In one recent year, there were approximately 3.1 recorded cases of nonfatal work injuries and illnesses for every 100 full-time workers in Pennsylvania.
- That same year, industries with the highest rates of nonfatal work injuries and illnesses per 100 full-time workers included transportation and warehousing (5.4), healthcare (4.4), education and health services (4.0), manufacturing (3.9), retail trade (3.9), and agriculture (3.8).
- During another recent year, there were 148 fatal work injuries throughout Pennsylvania.
- Transportation accidents contributed to 49 fatal work injuries in Pennsylvania that same year, accounting for one-third of fatal workplace injuries statewide.
- Other top causes of workplace fatalities that year included falls (28 deaths), harmful contact with objects or equipment (27 deaths), and harmful exposure to substances or environments (25 deaths).
Contact the PA Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Calhoon & Kaminsky P.C.
If you were hurt at work, you might have to rely on workers’ comp benefits to help you get through a difficult time. Don’t put these benefits at risk by trying to navigate the complicated claims process alone. The experienced workers’ comp attorneys at Calhoon & Kaminsky P.C. can protect your interests and fight to seek the benefits you’re entitled to. Contact us now for your free consultation to learn more.
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For more than 20 years, our attorneys have been helping injured workers navigate the complex Pennsylvania workers’ compensation system. We empower workers with the information and the representation they need to make the best decisions for themselves and their families’ future.
