From industrial and manufacturing accidents to motor vehicle accidents and actual illnesses or disease, your job may actually affect your health and wellness. While surprising to learn, over 3 million workers are injured on the job and an estimated 4,500 workers die because of workplace injuries each year. Knowing what to do if you have been injured or have become ill on the job is imperative to ensure you are safe, healthy, and financially able to pay your medical costs and basic living expenses. Of course, you may not even realize your issue would qualify for workers' compensation benefits. Here are a few common injuries/illnesses that may qualify as a workers' comp claim.

Repetitive Motion Injuries

You may be surprised to learn injuries that stem from repetitive motions are one of the most common workplace injuries. If you complete the same basic tasks all day for long periods of time, you will place stress on certain parts of the body.

For example, carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition many workers who use their hands and wrists repeatedly. This condition results in pain, stiffness, weakness, numbness, and tingling in the fingers, hand, and wrist. Over time, carpal tunnel syndrome can become so severe, you will no longer be able to use your wrist/hands, reducing your ability to complete your job.

Repetitive motion injuries may also include chronic back or neck strain if you are continuously lifting materials or equipment throughout the workday.

Slips and Falls

Slipping, tripping, and falling result in other common workplace injuries. While they can occur anywhere, slips and falls can easily happen in workplaces because of busy schedules or mistakes made by other employees.

The actual slip or trip may not harm you, but if you fall onto a hard surface or onto a joint or bone, you may develop an injury that leaves you unable to work. Therefore, filing a report with your employer immediately after the fall is imperative.

Machinery/Equipment Accidents

If you work around different types of machinery, equipment, or vehicles, you could become injured in different ways. The machinery may fail, resulting in an injury or you may be involved in an accident while operating a forklift, an excavator, or another type of vehicle.

These accidents may stem from human error or faulty machinery – either way, you should not have to suffer physically, mentally, or financially because of the injury. Report the injury to your workplace's manager and visit an attorney to start receiving workers' compensation benefits.

Occupational Illnesses

Another surprising issue you may face is an illness – not an actual injury – that stems from your occupation. If your work environment, equipment, chemicals, actual tasks cause you to develop some sort of chronic illness or disease, you will most likely qualify for workers' compensation benefits.

Examples of occupational illnesses would include respiratory disorders caused by breathing in different toxins or chemicals. For example, if you work in a coal mine, you may develop a breathing disorder due to the presence of toxins in your work environment.

If you work in construction, you may be exposed to harmful toxins and pollutants, such as asbestos or lead, which can all lead to chronic respiratory conditions. Also, if you work in an environment with allergens, whether dust or mold, you may develop a chronic occupational illness that will prevent you from completing your job.

If you are dealing with one or more of the above injuries or illnesses because of your job or employee tasks, you should qualify for workers' compensation benefits. For more information or to file a claim, contact your attorney that helps with workers' comp claims today. Reach out to a firm such as Gilbert, Blaszcyk & Milburn LLP.

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