As the unemployment rate continues to drop in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, more people are working now than in recent memory. Insurance Journal reports that the number of workplace injury claims has declined over recent years as a result of improved safety, among other reasons.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that unemployment in Rhode Island and Massachusetts is at historic lows (less than 4 percent).

It’s a double-dose of good news, but researchers at the National Council of Compensation Insurance have found that injury claims could rise during times of low unemployment.

The reason? Companies are hiring less-experienced workers and people who may be physically out of shape to do the job, according to Insurance Journal.

What are the common types of workplace injuries?

According to the National Safety Council, a worker is injured on the job every 7 seconds. While an accident can happen to any worker, workplace injuries tend to happen to people whose jobs require physical labor. The top five occupations with the most workplace injuries are:

• Firefighters and police officers
• Transportation and shipping (drivers who deliver packages)
• Manufacturing and production
• Installation, maintenance, and repair
• Construction

The top three events that result in on-the-job injuries are:

• Overexertion
• Contact with objects and equipment, such as being struck by equipment or crushed by a collapsing structure
• Slips, trips, and falls

Report the incident and seek medical attention

If you’re injured on the job, your No. 1 priority is your health. Obtain medical treatment as soon as possible. Once you are stabilized, contact the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl to speak with an experienced workplace accident attorney. You will also need to report the incident to your supervisor.

Your next step is to request workers’ compensation forms and other paperwork. Our attorneys can help ensure the paperwork is completed properly. Our law office can protect your rights every step of the way.

Be sure to continue following up with medical treatment and following your doctor’s orders. You may need to stay home from work. If your employer is pressuring you to return to work, talk to your attorney to determine the best course of action.

Why is an attorney necessary for a workplace injury claim?

An injury on the job can lead to a dispute between employee and employer. Employers and their insurance companies may fight a claim. They might argue the injured worker was hurt outside of work, or the worker filed the claim too late or improperly.  They may even reject a legitimate claim for reasons that are a mystery to the injured worker.

That’s why it’s wise to talk to an attorney as soon as possible after the injury. The Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl puts experience and resources to work for clients who have been injured on the job. Your attorney will be your advocate when the employer and insurance company are giving you a hard time about the claim. Injured at work? Contact us today for a free consultation.

Listen up!

You could be at risk of losing your hearing because of where you work, according to EHS Today, an occupational safety and health magazine.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health says 22 million U.S. workers are exposed to damaging noise levels at work, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says workplace-related hearing loss is the most commonly reported injury.

Jobs where workers are regularly in danger include manufacturing (hearing loss is the most commonly recorded occupational injury), construction, carpentry, mining, entertainment, military and agriculture.

There are many risks associated with hearing loss:

• Hearing protects us from harm by alerting us to possible dangers, such as an approaching vehicle or broken machinery.
• Injuries are more common among workers who cannot hear warning sirens or other alerts.
• Hearing loss negatively impacts quality of life – for example, making interpersonal communication difficult and straining relationships.
• The ringing of ears associated with hearing loss interferes with sleep and concentration, sometimes leading to depression, anxiety and stress.

Other symptoms range from social rejection and loneliness to impaired memory and the inability to learn new tasks.

Is Your Employer Listening?

The key is prevention. Steps employers can take include:

• Regular, ongoing observation. Employers who monitor sound levels can help employees understand when the risk of hearing loss is highest.
• Annual audiograms. Results can be compared to previous tests to protect workers.
• Employee training. Minimally, employers should conduct annual training, including one-on-one sessions for workers exposed to louder noises. Regular reminders throughout the year are also recommended.
• Protective equipment. Many options are available, including different styles of earplugs and earmuffs.

Contact Someone Who Will Listen

Unfortunately, some employers play down the importance of hearing safety. They may reason that a certain amount of hearing loss is acceptable among workers as part of the job. They may think safety programs are too expensive. They simply may not care. If you’ve suffered workplace hearing loss, your life is changed forever because your hearing is not coming back. In the end, it comes down to your word vs. the word of your employer, their attorneys and their insurance company as you’re trying to navigate the complex world of workers’ compensation.

You need a workers’ compensation attorney to cut through the red tape and fight for your rights. The Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl have handled every type of comp claim in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts, from Fall River and Foxborough to Providence and Newport. They will aggressively pursue justice for you and your family while treating you with the compassion you need and deserve. Put your mind at ease by putting your case in the hands of experienced professionals. Contact them today for a free case consultation.