Work is a fundamental part of our development as human beings and as a society. However, at any time in our lives, there is a possibility that we may suffer an accident at work, an occupational disease, and even a fatality.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, OSHA, employers must provide workers with a safe and healthy work environment. On the other hand, it is the responsibility of the workers to know and put into practice all the prevention and safety protocols related to their work area.
It is essential that workers know the most common and important causes and types of occupational injuries or illnesses. This is crucial to minimize the risk of occurrence and know that you must request the corresponding compensation if you find yourself in the situation. Among the most common examples of workplace accidents are physical injuries caused by falling objects, crushing when using machinery, hearing or visual damage caused by toxic agents, and slip and fall accidents.
Also subject to workers’ compensation are illnesses that are aggravated in the workplace, such as back injuries, cumulative injuries, job stress, personal injuries due to violent conduct, and all those that can be linked to work. Some of these injuries can also occur while the employee goes from one work area to another, during break time, in a training or work-related recreational activity.
Many workplace injuries related to a pre-existing medical condition are the subject of disputes with insurance companies when filing a workers’ compensation claim. Therefore, it is always advisable to prevent this type of injury and consult a doctor if you have any symptoms or warning signs. In this way, the doctor can provide you with elements that help to demonstrate the situation convincingly.
Generally, an accident at work will be eligible for workers’ compensation. Otherwise, it may be that the work injury is the fault of a third party, a natural or legal person. The worker can file a claim with his employer and/or a civil lawsuit against the third party for personal injuries depending on the circumstances.
