Workplace accidents and injuries are unfortunately common, and Florida workers’ compensation is designed to help employees who get hurt while on the job. No matter the industry, every workplace has its own risks, and understanding the most common causes of workers’ compensation claims in Florida can help you stay informed and protected.
In this section, we’ll discuss some of the most frequent causes of workplace injuries and how they lead to workers’ compensation claims. Knowing the risks and how they might apply to your situation can help you better understand your rights under Florida’s workers’ compensation system.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
One of the most common causes of workplace injuries is slipping, tripping, or falling. These accidents can happen in any work environment, from a busy construction site to an office. Falls are especially dangerous and can result in severe injuries such as broken bones, head injuries, or even spinal cord damage.
Where Slips and Falls Happen Most Frequently
- Wet or Slippery Floors: In industries like retail, hospitality, or healthcare, wet floors are a common hazard. Spilled liquids, rainwater tracked indoors, or freshly cleaned floors can cause employees to lose their footing.
- Uneven Surfaces: Construction sites, warehouses, or older buildings may have uneven floors, loose carpeting, or uneven pavement, which increases the risk of tripping.
- Inadequate Lighting: Poorly lit areas, like stairwells or storage rooms, can cause employees to trip over unseen obstacles.
These injuries are often grounds for filing a workers’ compensation claim in Florida. If you slip or fall while working, your medical bills and lost wages should be covered under workers’ compensation insurance.
Overexertion and Repetitive Strain Injuries
Overexertion and repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are another leading cause of workers’ compensation claims in Florida. These injuries occur when workers are required to perform tasks that strain their bodies repeatedly or require excessive physical effort. Over time, this can lead to chronic pain, inflammation, and permanent damage.
Common Overexertion Injuries
- Lifting Heavy Objects: Employees in industries like construction, warehousing, or healthcare often have to lift heavy objects or patients, which can lead to back strains, herniated discs, or other musculoskeletal issues.
- Repetitive Motions: Jobs that require repetitive motions—like typing in an office, assembling parts in a factory, or cutting food in a kitchen—can cause injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or bursitis.
Workers’ compensation in Florida covers treatment for overexertion injuries, including physical therapy, medications, and time off work to recover. If your job involves repetitive tasks, it’s essential to use proper techniques and equipment to minimize strain and avoid long-term injury.
Being Struck by or Caught In or Between Objects
In many workplaces, employees are at risk of being struck by or caught in machinery, equipment, or falling objects. These types of accidents are especially common in high-risk industries such as construction, manufacturing, and warehousing, where heavy machinery, tools, and materials are constantly being moved around.
Examples of Struck-By and Caught-In/Between Accidents
- Falling Objects: Workers in construction or warehouse settings often work beneath scaffolding or shelves. If tools or materials fall from above, they can cause severe injuries like concussions, fractures, or crush injuries.
- Machinery Accidents: In factories or industrial settings, workers who operate or work near machinery risk getting caught in or struck by moving parts. Lack of proper safety guards or malfunctioning equipment increases the likelihood of these accidents.
These types of injuries can be catastrophic, leading to long-term disability or even death. Workers who are struck by or caught in objects are typically entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which cover medical care, lost wages, and, in severe cases, permanent disability.
Vehicle-Related Accidents
Vehicle-related accidents are another leading cause of workers’ compensation claims in Florida. Employees who drive as part of their job, such as delivery drivers, truck drivers, or construction workers who operate heavy equipment, are at risk of being involved in collisions or accidents on the road or at job sites.
Types of Vehicle-Related Injuries
- Traffic Collisions: Employees who are involved in car accidents while driving for work purposes can suffer injuries such as whiplash, broken bones, or traumatic brain injuries.
- Forklift and Heavy Machinery Accidents: In warehouse or construction settings, workers who operate forklifts, cranes, or other heavy equipment face the risk of tipping over, crashing into objects, or being pinned by machinery.
If you’re injured in a vehicle-related accident while performing your job duties, you can file a workers’ compensation claim. This will cover your medical expenses, lost income, and rehabilitation services if needed.
Exposure to Harmful Substances
Certain jobs expose workers to hazardous substances such as chemicals, fumes, dust, or radiation. Prolonged exposure to these substances can cause serious health issues, including respiratory diseases, skin conditions, and even cancer.
Workplaces Prone to Hazardous Exposure
- Chemical Plants and Factories: Workers in chemical manufacturing plants, laboratories, or factories may be exposed to toxic substances like solvents, pesticides, or asbestos.
- Agriculture and Farming: Farmers and agricultural workers often come into contact with pesticides and fertilizers that can cause respiratory problems or skin irritation over time.
Exposure to harmful substances can lead to long-term health complications that require expensive medical treatments. Workers’ compensation in Florida provides coverage for medical care and lost wages in these cases, ensuring that employees get the care they need.
Workplace Violence
Workplace violence is a serious and sometimes overlooked cause of workers’ compensation claims. Employees in certain professions, such as healthcare, retail, or law enforcement, may face physical assaults from customers, patients, or even coworkers. Injuries from workplace violence can be both physical and psychological, and they can have long-lasting effects on an employee’s well-being.
Examples of Workplace Violence
- Customer or Patient Attacks: Healthcare workers, retail employees, or social service providers may encounter hostile or violent individuals, leading to injuries like cuts, bruises, or even more severe trauma.
- Coworker Altercations: Disputes between employees that escalate into physical confrontations are also covered under workers’ compensation if they occur on the job.
If you are injured in an act of workplace violence, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for your injuries, whether physical or emotional.
Machinery Accidents and Electrocution
Machinery accidents and electrocution are common in industries like manufacturing, construction, and utility work, where employees frequently work with or near heavy equipment and electrical wiring.
Machinery Accidents
Machinery accidents often happen when workers are improperly trained, safety protocols are not followed, or equipment malfunctions. Common injuries include amputations, fractures, and crush injuries.
Electrocution
Electricians and workers in construction or maintenance are at risk of electrocution if they come into contact with live wires, faulty equipment, or improperly grounded electrical systems. Electrocution can cause severe burns, nerve damage, or even death.
Workers’ compensation benefits are available to cover medical treatment, lost wages, and rehabilitation in the event of a machinery accident or electrocution.
Workers in Florida face a variety of risks on the job, from slips and falls to more serious incidents like vehicle accidents, exposure to harmful substances, or workplace violence. Knowing these common causes of workers’ compensation claims can help you take steps to protect yourself and understand what benefits are available if you get injured.
If you’ve been injured on the job in Florida, it’s essential to consult a workers’ compensation lawyer to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.