For quite some time, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has required employers to report work-related deaths. However, a new rule came into effect in 2015 that requires employers to also report non-fatal, but serious, workplace injuries. PennLive news analyzed the available data and revealed that there were 1,318 serious workplace injuries in Pennsylvania between 2015 and August 2016.
There are a handful of employers that reported a higher number of incidents than most, including many familiar companies like Verizon, Walmart, UPS, Waste Management Inc., The Hershey Company, and Lowes. The US Postal Service led the pack for number of workplace injuries in Pennsylvania, with 16 serious incidents reported. The government agency not only maintains the highest number of reported injuries in PA, but also nationwide. Many of the USPS injuries were related to fall down incidents and dog attacks.
On-the-job injuries can occur in any industry, but serious accidents commonly take place in high-risk job settings that involve working up high on ladders, roofs, trees and telephone poles; or in manufacturing centers and distribution warehouses where employees work with equipment such as conveyor belts, pallet jacks, forklifts, and skids. Some of the most severe and debilitating injuries include broken bones and fractures, head and neck injuries, and amputation.
Injury at Work?
Work accidents are usually unpredictable, and a bad one can turn your life upside down. If you’re injured in the course of your employment, you are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits while you recover from your work injuries. However, the claims process can get quite complicated, and Pennsylvania workers’ compensation laws aren’t always as straightforward as they may seem. Obtaining legal representation is the best measure you can take to ensure that all of your rights are protected.
Metzger Wickersham has 135 years of experience advocating for the rights of the injured. Contact our skilled workers' compensation attorneys today for a free consultation.