What is Workers’ Comp?
Workers’ compensation is the monetary compensation offered from an employer to an injured employee or to the dependents in cases of death.
Injuries at work place are very common and may be debilitating. Workplace injuries often occur because of high-risk jobs, lack of or scarcity in safety devices, lack of training, higher number of manual workers, and repetitive stress.
Repetitive stress injuries are the most common types of work-related injuries with several risk factors, including repetitive, forceful, or prolonged exertion and awkward postures.
Common injuries at the work place
- Sprains
- Fractures
- Bone dislocations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Injuries requiring limb amputations
Depending on the type and severity of injury, treatment will be initiated. Regardless of the type of injury, patients should be provided first aid at the workplace including:
- ABC: Airway, breathing and circulation
- Immobilization of the body part affected to avoid further injury
- Transportation for further evaluation at a hospital or physician’s office
An individual will be eligible to claim worker’s compensation if the individual suffers injuries or illnesses during employment and if caused by the nature of work. However if the injury occurred is because of negligence of an individual to obey safety rules, if the individual was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or if the disability from the injury lasts for ≤3 days, then the employer will not be liable to pay compensation.
Your doctor plays an important role in treating work related injuries and diseases, helping patients recover from occupational injuries and illnesses.