Record Low for Number of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there was a total of 3.7 million reported work-related injuries and illnesses in 2008, the lowest record among all US companies in five years.

There is a 7 percent decrease in workplace injuries and illnesses with only 1.1 million workers with injuries so severe they had to take time off work.

Further, according to the statistics, the most common injuries among workers were sprains and strains which roughly accounted for 39 percent of all work-related injuries. Back injuries were also numerous with as much 2 out of 5 cases.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reported that work-related injuries in the retail and construction industry dropped and that government employees had the highest percentage of injury among workers.

Elderly workers also accounted as those most injured on the job – employees aged 55 to 64 years old had 3 percent more injuries than all age groups while those over the age of 65 had 13 percent more.

While the low rate of work-related injuries and illnesses can be attributed to low employment, the decrease in the figures can also likely to be due to the added precaution exercised by workers and employers in curbing injuries and illnesses.

Getting hurt or sick in the economy these days is too costly and both the employee and the employers have much to lose when one gets hurt on the job.

However, if one does get injured or hurt on the job, employees still have a recourse. All employees afflicted with work-related illness or injury can get workers' compensation benefits regardless of who was at fault unless:

• Worker is injured while not on the job
• Self-inflicted injuries
• Injuries suffered by the employee while committing a serious crime
• Worker is hurt while violating office policy

Receiving Worker’s Compensation is an employee right however, availing of such benefits would waive the employee’s right to sue the employer for damages.