Have you ever wondered just how much workers’ compensation costs? If you have been injured at work, the thought may have crossed your mind, especially if you received compensation benefits. While paying benefits to one injured worker may be more than affordable for an employer or insurance company, paying hundreds of workers can quickly add up. This is often why companies have such stringent safety regulations in place.
The next time you roll your eyes and think that your supervisor is treating you like a child for insisting that you wear eye or any other type of protection while you do your job, consider the following information. It may make it a bit easier to understand just why your employer is so adamant about you and your co-workers performing your duties in a safe manner.
The Most Dangerous Industries
You may be surprised to discover that law enforcement is not on the top of the list of most dangerous industries. Neither is construction, for that matter. In the United States, the most dangerous job is fishing. With weather, equipment malfunctions and other risks, 116 people per 100,000 are killed annually catching fish and other seafood.
Also included in the top 10 most dangerous industries are education, retail, manufacturing, message delivery services and mining.
Most Common Injuries
Keep in mind that injuries incurred at work include everything from minor scrapes and cuts to major, disabling types of injuries. There are very few people that have never been injured at work, but many injuries don’t require a full-blown report or workers’ compensation claims. Of the types of injuries that are claimed and paid for, here are the ones that top the list:
- Overexertion
- Fall on same level
- Fall to lower level
- Bodily reaction
- Struck by object
Other common injuries include compression, being struck against an object, repetitive motion and assault or other violent act.
The Costs
There are direct and indirect costs to companies when it comes to workers’ compensation. Employers must not only pay benefits, but they must pay to investigate accidents, train replacement employees and make up for lost productivity.
In 2009, workers’ compensation benefits paid were $58.3 billion. Medical benefits totaled just under $30 billion as did cash benefits. The total costs to employers was close to $75 billion.
If you have been injured and need help with workers’ compensation in Charlotte, we are here for you. Call now for a free case evaluation and let us advise you of your options.
