In the year 2021/2022 employers reported a total of 61,713 fatal injuries and 123 deaths, among their employees. Workplace injuries carry consequences for both employees and employers. In fact, the cost of self-reported workplace injuries and health issues stemming from working conditions reached £18.8 billion in 2019/20. When an employee suffers an injury on the job, they may be eligible for work injury compensation to help cover expenses and lost wages. It is crucial to understand the types of workplace injuries that lead to compensation claims in order to promote workplace safety and ensure that injured workers receive the necessary support.
Work Injury Compensation
The nature of injuries can vary depending on the industry and specific tasks involved. However, there are types of workplace injuries that frequently result in compensation claims.
Slips, Trips and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls accounted for 30% of fatal injuries reported in 2021/2022. These incidents give rise to a number of work injury compensation claims across work settings such as offices, factories, and construction sites. Slips, trips, and falls often occur due to factors, like floors caused by spills or inadequate lighting or uneven surfaces. Compensation usually includes reimbursement, for costs and any income lost during the recovery period. The average compensation amount varies depending on the injury with foot injuries resulting in up to £13,740 in compensation.
Musculoskeletal Injuries (MSDs)
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) loom as yet another pervasive category of occupational afflictions that frequently precipitate remuneration demands. In the year 2022, a projected tally of 477,000 labourers grappled with a freshly acquired or pre-existing work-induced MSD, the spinal domain accounted for 42% of these incidents. The onset of musculoskeletal injuries is inherently linked to repetitive activities, arduous lifting, and extended bouts of sedentary or upright stances. MSDs can result in chronic pain and long-term disabilities, making compensation crucial for affected employees.
Cuts and Lacerations
Employees across various industries, particularly those engaged in tasks involving sharp implements or machinery, face a significant vulnerability of experiencing cuts and lacerations. These injuries can range from mere superficial cuts necessitating stitches to more severe wounds that may lead to enduring complications. Ensuring compensation claims for afflicted workers becomes imperative as it enables them to alleviate the financial burden posed by medical expenses and potential disabilities. The estimated remuneration for an inflicted laceration falls within the range of £6,610-£12,590.
Occurrences of workplace injuries possess the power to wreak havoc upon the well-being and livelihoods of employees, exerting a substantial toll on a company’s overall efficiency and output. The comprehension and recognition of the most prevalent manifestations of these injuries that culminate in compensation claims remain pivotal for both workers and employers alike. By placing paramount importance on implementation of rigorous safety measures and support systems, work environments can effectively curtail the frequency of such injuries, thereby engineering a more secure and productive environment.
