How Common Are Workplace Injuries — and What Can You Do if You’re in an Accident at Work?
While most people associate the workplace with earning a living, it’s a sobering fact that it can rob you of the same ability in the blink of an eye. Every year around the globe, the International Labor Organization (ILO) records 340 million occupational accidents and 160 million work-related illnesses.
These alarming figures underscore the crucial need for awareness and proactive measures against potential dangers lurking in our places of work. This guide aims to shed light on the prevalence of workplace injuries and what you could do if you unfortunately fall victim to one.
Workplace Accidents in New York
Despite its global leadership status, America’s track record on workplace safety is far from commendable, ranking a disappointing 24th worldwide. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately 260,000 injuries were recorded in 2021. To put this into perspective, it implies that each day, over 700 workers suffer an injury on the job.
While New York boasts lower-than-average workplace accident rates, it still recorded a significant 125,500 non-fatal injuries in 2021. Industries leading in incidents vary, with construction and manufacturing sectors consistently demonstrating high injury rates.
Similarly, other parts of America reflect these trends, with industries such as agriculture, forestry, and transportation also showing notable rates of workplace accidents. Liability in Workplace Injuries and Illnesses
Liability in Workplace Injuries and Illnesses
Employers bear a significant duty of care towards their employees regarding workplace safety. This duty involves proactively mitigating potential risks and providing a safe work environment.
Negligence, a legal term for failure to exercise necessary care, becomes a key factor when this duty is breached. To effectively establish negligence, four elements are considered: duty, breach, causation, and damage. The employer, firstly, has a duty to ensure a safe workplace. If this duty is breached, resulting in an accident, where an employee suffers injuries (damage), an employer may be held liable.
Consider this scenario: A warehouse operator fails to fix a faulty forklift despite being aware of the issue. Later, an employee sustains injuries when the forklift malfunctions. Here, the operator’s failure to address a known hazard led to an accident, establishing the four elements of negligence.
Understanding Worker Compensation Insurance
Worker compensation is a state-mandated insurance that most employers carry to cover injuries or illnesses incurred due to work. New York law requires businesses to have workers’ compensation insurance, with either state-backed programs or private insurance options available.
This insurance operates on a ‘no-fault’ policy, meaning that it pays out benefits regardless of who caused the workplace accident- the employer, the employee, or a coworker.
Despite its benefits, a compromise does exist. With this policy, employees may forfeit their right to sue their employer over the injury, while employers might face higher insurance premiums.
Steps to Take if You’re Injured at Work
After the unexpected happens and you find yourself a victim of a workplace injury, it’s crucial to understand the right steps to take. The right to compensation often hinges upon these steps, so acting promptly and effectively is essential.
Upon experiencing an accident, start with seeking medical help. This step ensures you safeguard your health and provides the documentation necessary to build your case. Secondly, Initiate evidence by documenting everything related to the incident, which will be invaluable in your claim.
Hiring a lawyer is another crucial step in the process. This is where you need to be discerning – not just any lawyer will do. Choose one with a proven track record in workplace injury cases in New York.
Remember, understanding these steps after getting injured at work can be pivotal in ensuring adequate compensation for your ordeal.
Final Thoughts
Ensuring workplace safety is a crucial responsibility that falls upon each and every individual. You can effectively minimize risks and mitigate potential consequences by fostering a culture of awareness, taking proactive measures, and having a comprehensive understanding of your rights in case of injury.
