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Workers’ compensation isn’t only about an accident

Posted on September 25, 2019 in Workers' Compensation

Most people assume that workers’ compensation benefits are tied to a single accident while on the job. Falling down the stairs, for example, cutting yourself or having a devastating mishap while working on an industrial machine can lead to severe injuries. It is important to remember, however, that this is only one category. What other types of scenarios can lead to a workers’ compensation benefits claim?

There are nearly countless ways to get hurt on the job. From a delivery driver getting hurt in a vehicle collision to falling debris on a construction site, workers face danger that might not be readily apparent. What situations can lead to an injury?

  • Single instance accident: In what could be the most common class of incidents, a single instance accident is just that – one accident that results in an injury that leads to a workers’ compensation claim. This could be any of the aforementioned examples as well as slip-and-falls, trip-and-falls, explosions or burn injuries.
  • Repetitive stress: Popularized in recent years by carpal tunnel syndrome, repetitive stress injuries can be directly traced back to the strain placed on various body parts after performing the same task over and over for weeks, months or even years. From typing to removing boxes from a conveyor belt, workers can suffer soft tissue injuries, joint damage or muscle strain.
  • Toxic exposure: It is not uncommon for workers to be exposed to hazardous materials. From cleaning agents to benzene to asbestos, toxic exposure can lead to serious conditions such as occupational asthma or the deadly cancer mesothelioma.

Additionally, workers might face environmental assaults on their senses. Individuals who work in a loud workplace might face hearing loss. By the same token, either excessively strong or weak lighting could damage the eyes. If you were injured at work, it is crucial that you report the accident at once.