Sprains and Strains Top the List for Missouri Work Comp Claims

If you suffer a workplace injury, seek compensation for damages.

Every worker is at risk of injury. Every job, even those that seem to be mundane, poses certain risks to workers. Some types of jobs are considered to be extremely dangerous, such as construction workers, healthcare professionals, airline industry professionals, and factory workers. Other jobs are not considered high-risk jobs. However, that does not mean that they do not pose any risk to workers.

Missouri Work Comp Benefits

Whenever there is a workplace injury, the worker is protected by state law, allowing an injured worker to seek compensation for damages. Workers’ compensation provides for medical treatment, loss of wages during treatment, disability benefits if the damage is permanent, payment for reasonable future medical bills, and loss of life benefits.
While compensation for workplace injury is the right of every employee, prevention of accidents and work-related injuries should be a top priority. Employers and employees should be aware of the types of injuries that are the most common, so that required precautions can be taken.

The Most Common Work-Related Injury

The Travelers Companies, the largest workers’ compensation carrier, shows the types and numbers of work-related injuries resulting in work comp claims across different types of employment.

• Between 2010 and 2014, strains and sprains accounted for 30 percent of the total number of work comp claims and were the most frequent.
• Cuts and punctures accounted for 19 percent of total injuries claimed.
• Contusions made up 12 percent of the claims.
• Sprains and strains were the most commonly occurring injury across all types of employment.
• Cuts and punctures were the most common amongst small employers.
• Employment that required workers to handle material comprised about 32 percent of accident claims.
• 16 percent of claims were due to trips, falls and slips, followed by collision with an object or being struck by an object at 10 percent.
• Tool-related accidents accounted for 7 percent of claims.
• Repetitive traumas and chronic injuries accounted for 4 percent.

Work-Related Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains stood out as the most common injury faced by workers as well as the most ‘claimed’ injuries. Exercising precaution and practicing safety should be a priority, especially while handling material. Workers should exercise extra caution and take appropriate measures while carrying material, climbing ladders or stairs while carrying heavy loads, maneuvering uneven surfaces, or while relocating equipment with moving parts.

Generally, all work-related injuries can be compensated for and it is important for all workers to exercise this right. An injured worker must report an injury to the employer as soon as possible to make a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.

Work Related Injuries