Most employees don’t feel an overwhelming sense of fear as they get up and prepare for the workday. While certain jobs have inherent safety risks, many workers face minimal dangers when they clock in for their shift.
The state receives roughly 200,000 workplace accident reports each year. However, less than 40,000 individuals file workers’ compensation claims, which could suggest most injuries don’t necessitate time away from work. So, what type of non-fatal injuries commonly occur on the job?
Reported Job-Related Injuries
In 2018, transportation incidents were the leading cause of work-related fatalities in Illinois. Contact with equipment or objects, violence and falls followed.
According to reports from 2017, nearly 6% of nonfatal injuries occurred within the natural resources and mining industry. While 20 private-sector workers got hurt in an explosion or fire, other injury reports, by number, included:
1,200 Exposure to a harmful substance
3,230 Transportation incidents
5,230 Bodily reactions to overexertion
9,100 Trips, slips, or falls
9,300 Contact with equipment or an object
Regardless of the severity or frequency of workplace injuries, employers throughout the state must provide coverage for their workforce. As such, employees have the right to request benefits when their duties cause harm.
Workers' Compensation Claims Are Disproportionate to Injuries
Roughly 80% of job-related illnesses and injuries go unreported. While you may not understand why some employees don’t file for benefits, speculation could suggest the lack of filed workers’ compensation claims relates to:
Fear of job loss
Uncertainty about qualifications
Misunderstanding about severity
Additionally, some symptoms take years to surface, by which point the source may be difficult to identify. However, compensation may still be available.