Middleton Criminal Defense & Workers' Compensation Law Blog

Health care providers in hospitals have an important job and must earn advanced degrees to treat their patients. While such jobs can be rewarding on a personal level, it is important to note that many health care providers in Wisconsin and across the nation suffer injuries on the job. Working in a hospital presents dangers that employers and employees should be aware of.

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overexertion and bodily reaction was the top cause of workplace injuries among hospital workers. This was followed by slips, trips and falls. Coming into contact with objects was the third most prevalent injury, followed by acts of violence. The next most common injury was exposure to substances, while the remaining injuries were attributed to other causes.

No one anticipates being injured at work on any given day. Of course, some jobs in Wisconsin are more dangerous than others. For example, it is easy to see how those working in the agricultural, construction or manufacturing industries could be injured on the job. However, even those who work in an office environment could suffer an on-the-job injury that prevents them from working. When this happens, workers may want to pursue workers' compensation benefits.

The first step in applying for workers' comp is reporting the injury to your employer. Your employer may then provide you with all the forms you need to submit a claim for benefits. It is important to document all your injuries as well as treatment for those injuries as thoroughly as possible.

It is understandable that some workplaces in Wisconsin are more dangerous than others. For example, those who work with heavy machinery or at great heights could see more workplace fatalities than those who work in an office. However, it is important to recognize that any workplace environment could present hazards that could ultimately lead to fatalities.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released a report of the number of worker deaths suffered in U.S. workplaces in 2016 and found that the number rose seven percent from the year before. This is the third year in a row that workplace fatalities have increased across the nation. The BLS noted which types of jobs saw the most fatalities.

While it may still seem like we are still on the tail end of winter, spring will soon be coming around the corner, and, in Wisconsin, this means many construction projects will begin. It should come as no surprise that work performed in the construction industry can be dangerous. The following are some statistics regarding common workplace injuries.

According to the U.S. Department of Occupational Safety and Health Administration, in 2017, 20.7 percent of all workplace fatalities in the private industry took place in the construction industry. Not including highway collisions, the most common fatal injuries in the construction industry include falls, being hit by an object, being electrocuted and being caught in or between machinery. OSHA refers to these injuries as the "Fatal Four" and they comprised almost 60 percent of all construction worker fatalities in 2017.