June is National Safety Month, a yearly effort from the National Safety Council (NSC) to improve workplace safety. This year, the NSC has chosen a theme for each week, giving both employees and employers something specific to focus on and allowing for thoughtful changes that can improve safety for everyone.
The focus of week one is musculoskeletal disorders such as tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and bone fractures. These types of disorders are the leading cause of workplace injury and the most common reason for filing for workers’ compensation.
The focus of week two is workplace impairment. This includes substance abuse along with things like stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which can impact safety at work.
Week three switches focus to more broadly view injury prevention. Millions of non-fatal illnesses and injuries occur in the workplace every year. Around four million of these workplace injuries require medical attention.
By week four, the focus has returned to specific injuries: slips, trips, and falls, collectively the second leading cause of injury-related death in the workplace, just behind transportation injuries. The most frequently cited OSHA workplace safety standard violation in the United States is inadequate fall protection.
Have You Been Injured?
Most injured workers in the state of Florida are covered by workers’ compensation, an insurance program designed to provide reimbursement for medical expenses and a portion of the wages lost while in recovery. Contract workers or those who work for a company with fewer than four employees are not, however, covered by this benefit.
If you have been injured and are not covered by workers’ comp, you may be entitled to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. This is dependent on factors unique to your case.
The attorneys at our office have experience in both personal injury and workplace injury law. We are here to review your case, provide information about all of your options, and help you determine the best way to pursue compensation.
Please call 833-546-3675 to schedule your initial consultation at our Naples or Ft. Myers office. Kelleher Law serves victims of workplace injury throughout the state of Florida.
