According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, just under 3 million full-time, private industry workers suffer nonfatal illnesses or injuries each year in the United States. Many of these injuries result from employers taking cost-cutting measures that undermine worker safety. This is why it's important for workers to be proactive in protecting themselves from getting hurt while on the job.
How you can protect yourself from injuries in the workplace
Can filing a workers' compensation claim get you fired?
Many workers who get injured on the job hesitate in filing a workers' compensation claim because they fear that in doing so, they could either be retaliated against or fired. If this describes you, then you'll find comfort in knowing that in California it's illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee who files a workers' compensation claim.
How to respond to a worksite spill
One of the most common workplace injuries employees can encounter is a slip and fall. In fact, injuries sustained from slipping on the job results in the greatest amount of lost days from work, according to the National Floor Safety Institute.
Avoidable workplace accidents waiting to happen
Any workplace can pose risks - some more than others. Whether you are working in a mine, a construction site or at a desk in an office, there are still some basic health and safety principles that we should all be aware of.
Worker’s compensation and predesignation
Getting injured on the job can unfortunately be common in many industries, including construction, mining and farming. If you work in a high-risk industry, you may be concerned about medical expenses if you get hurt, and questions such as whether you can be treated by your regular doctor in the event of an injury.
Workplace injuries shows to be higher for Latinos and blacks
Researchers with the University of Southern California's (USC) Initiative for Population Heath have determined that both African Americans and Latinos are at a greater risk for suffering a workplace injury more so than other ethnic groups.
