Over the past 20 years, the average number of workers injured during the course of their employment has been slowly decreasing. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics’ annual Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, in 1996, the number of workers injured for every 100 private sector workers in the United States was 7.4. South Carolina’s on-the-job injury/illness rate for private industry was below the national average at 5.9 workers.
These numbers have been steadily declining. The U.S. injury/illness rate for private industry in 2013 was 3.3, and in South Carolina, the number was 2.9. South Carolina’s injury/illness rate for the public sector, however, rose slightly in 2013 with a rate of 4.9, compared to 4.4 in 2012. Fortunately, these numbers are still down significantly from 20 years ago.
Several factors can be attributed to the decrease in work-related injuries. One reason is that employers are making more of an effort to increase the safety at work sites, through measures such as safety and training programs. In addition, increased educational awareness, from organizations like the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, has helped employers understand and remove the dangers that cause work-related accidents. Furthermore, safer machinery and increased repair and maintenance of defective machines and equipment have also helped limit the number of work-related accidents.
Nevertheless, despite all of the efforts taken to make workplaces safer and to reduce injuries, work-related accidents still occur far too often. If you have been injured in work-related accident, a Greenville, South Carolina workers’ compensation attorney can help you recover compensation for your injuries.
Industries with the Highest Injury and Illness Rate
South Carolina’s Department of Labor has identified the sub-sector industries within private industry with the highest non-fatal occupational injury and illness incidence rates. They are:
- nursing and residential care facilities, 6.6
- repair and maintenance, 6.5
- wood product manufacturing, 6.2
- hospitals, 6.0
- textile products mills, 5.5
What You Should Do If You Suffer an Accident During Work?
If you are injured during the course of your employment, it is important that you take certain steps to protect your rights. In this regard, you should:
- Receive immediate medical attention and obtain copies of any medical reports.
- As soon as possible, notify your supervisor and employer about the accident and your injury.
- Follow your medical provider’s instructions for a full recovery
- Document your injuries by taking pictures of any visible injuries.
- Identify any co-workers who can testify about the accident and your injury.
- Contact an experienced South Carolina workers’ compensation attorney.
Do You Need Help with Your Workers’ Compensation Claim?
If you have been injured during the course of your employment, it is important that you reach out to a South Carolina workers’ compensation attorney who can help you understand your rights. David R. Price, Jr. is just the right attorney to help you. Mr. Price has experience helping workers obtain compensation for their injuries and loss of pay. Contact the office today to find out how we can help you.