Whether you work in an environment with many hazards (such as a construction site) or a seemingly safe workspace (such as an office), it is important to recognize the risks you face. Workers in various fields sustain work-related injuries, and the impact of an accident could turn your life upside down in many ways.
It is vital for employees and employers to recognize risk factors, focus on preventing accidents and understand how prevalent work-related injuries are.
Nonfatal job-related injuries in the private sector
The Bureau of Labor Statistics published data on nonfatal job-related injuries that took place in the private sector in recent years. Over the course of 2020, 2.7 out of every 100 full-time workers in the private sector suffered a job-related injury or illness. Among these injuries and illnesses, 1.7 out of every 100 full-time workers had to miss work or face job restrictions or transfers as a result of their injury or illness. In 2017, 2018, and 2019, 2.8 out of every 100 full-time private industry workers suffered a job-related injury or illness.
This data shows that many workers sustain injuries while working each year, and the consequences of an injury could have a devastating impact on your career.
Recovering from a job-related injury
If you return to the workplace and have to take a less favorable position due to the aftermath of an injury or you cannot work in any capacity, you could face serious financial hardships if an injury impacts your ability to work. In addition, you could have a hard time due to medical expenses and other financial burdens related to your injury.
It is vital to pursue any resources that could make your life easier and support your path forward. For example, workers’ compensation benefits help many people in this position secure training for a different job and make up for lost wages due to a workplace injury.
