Most Common Types of Workplace Injuries in California
In California, workplace injuries are an unfortunate reality for many workers across various industries.
In 2023, there were 439 fatal workplace injuries in California, impacting 37 women and 402 men.
The bulk of these tragedies originated in the transportation industry and from exposure to harmful substances or environments. While these numbers are unfortunately high, they reflect a hopeful downward trend from 504 fatalities in 2022 and 469 in 2021. [1]
Common Workplace Injuries:
Some of the most common types of occupational injuries encompass a wide range of incidents.
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) are a common concern in the workplace, particularly in California. Caused by repeated motions, you may strain muscles and tendons, affecting hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, and neck. Common in jobs involving typing, assembly line work, and vibrating tools, RSIs account for many occupational injuries and workers’ compensation claims in California.
Key Risk Factors:
- Repeated motion
- Poor ergonomics
- Lack of safety training
- Prolonged activities without breaks
Symptoms of RSIs can include pain, tingling, numbness, and diminished strength. Prompt medical attention is essential to prevent long-term damage, which can significantly impact your ability to work.
Back Injuries
Back injuries are among the most frequent occupational injuries in California, affecting workers across various industries. Common causes of back injuries include overexertion, repetitive motion, and slips, trips, and falls.
Occupations with high physical demands, such as construction, are particularly susceptible due to activities like heavy lifting and working on uneven surfaces.
Common types of back injuries:
- Muscle Strains and Sprains: It’s often result from lifting heavy objects at work.
- Herniated Discs: Herniated discs result from repetitive strain or sudden impact.
- Chronic Back Pain: Chronic back pain may develop from repetitive strain.
Slip and Fall Incidents
Slip and fall incidents are among the most frequent occupational injuries in California. These injuries often occur due to wet floors, working at great heights, and a lack of proper safety equipment. Construction sites are hotspots for these dangerous accidents.
Out of 439 reported fatal injuries in California in 2023, 79 incidents were due to slips, falls, and trips. [2]
Injuries From Contact with Equipment
Injuries from contact with objects and equipment are significant concerns in the workplace, particularly in industrial and construction settings. These injuries often occur when you are struck by or caught between equipment. Falling objects, such as tools or materials, are common culprits, especially on construction sites.
These injuries can result in fractures, head injuries, or traumatic brain injuries.
Psychological Injuries
Psychological injuries, often overshadowed by physical ones, are an underestimated concern in the workplace. These injuries can arise due exposure to traumatic events in the workplace. Common psychological injuries include anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In California, where workplace safety is paramount, these injuries are gaining attention. Employers are becoming more mindful of mental health, recognizing it as critical to overall employee well-being.
Obtaining prompt medical treatment and filing a workers’ compensation claim when needed can ensure you receive the appropriate care required.
Exposure to Harmful Substances or Environments
One of the prevalent workplace injuries in California stems from exposure to harmful substances or environments. This encompasses injuries and illnesses due to exposure to hazardous chemicals, extreme temperatures, subpar air quality, and biological agents. These risks are present in various settings such as agriculture, chemical processing, construction, and healthcare industries.
Industry-Specific Injuries and Risk Factors in California
In California, each industry faces unique occupational risks. Construction workers, for example, are frequently exposed to falls from heights and falling objects. The chaotic nature of a construction site heightens the risk of such injuries.
In the healthcare sector, workers often suffer from overexertion injuries due to strenuous patient handling, leading to muscle strains and herniated discs.
Office environments, on the other hand, are common grounds for repetitive motion injuries, especially from prolonged computer use, which can cause musculoskeletal disorders and even chronic pain.
Legal Framework: Workers' Compensation Law in California
California’s workers’ compensation system is designed to provide you with benefits if you suffer injuries or illnesses while working. Governed by the Department of Industrial Relations, this system ensures you receive medical care and financial support for your injuries.
A key feature of this system is the initiation of a workers’ compensation claim, which must be filed to receive benefits. In California, benefits cover medical expenses, temporary or permanent disability payments, supplemental job displacement, and death benefits. [3]
Law requires all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, protecting both employees and employers from potential litigation.
When and Why Legal Assistance is Needed For After a Work Injury
When dealing with occupational injuries in California, you may require legal aid to navigate the complexities of the workers’ compensation system. Legal assistance is particularly beneficial when your claim is denied or when you receive insufficient medical care or compensation benefits.
Here are some common situations when legal assistance is needed:
- Denied California Workers’ Compensation Claims: If your claim is denied, a workers’ comp attorney can help appeal the decision.
- Employer Retaliation: If you face discrimination or job loss after filing a claim, legal intervention is critical.
- Insufficient Compensation: A workers’ compensation lawyer can advocate for fair compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.
- Severe Injuries: Injuries like traumatic brain injury or herniated discs may require extended medical attention, where a lawyer can secure adequate benefits.
If you need the assistance of a workers’ compensation lawyer in California, contact Goldberg & Loren for a free consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In California, you should report your injury to your employer as soon as possible, ideally within 30 days of the injury. Delays in reporting can result in the denial of your workers' compensation claim. Provide written notice to ensure there is a record of your report. [4]
Workers' compensation in California provides several benefits, including medical care for your injury, temporary disability benefits for lost wages, permanent disability benefits if you cannot fully recover, vocational retraining if you're unable to return to your previous job, and death benefits for family members if the worker dies from a work-related injury. [3]
If your workers' compensation claim is denied, you have the right to file an appeal with the California Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). [5] It can be beneficial to consult with a workers' compensation attorney to help navigate the appeals process, gather necessary evidence, and represent your case effectively.
Sources:
[1] Fatal occupational injuries in California. (n.d.). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/iif/state-data/fatal-occupational-injuries-in-california-2022.htm
[2] Fatal Work Injuries in California — 2023. (n.d.). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/regions/west/news-release/fatalworkinjuries_california.htm
[3] Unknown, U. (n.d.). Workers’ compensation in California. In Unknown. https://www.dir.ca.gov/injuredworkerguidebook/Chapter1.pdf
[4] Information, D. O. W. C.-. I. W., & California, S. O. (n.d.). DWC FAQs for employees. https://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/WCFaqIW.html
[5] Board, W. C. A., & California, S. O. (n.d.). Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). https://www.dir.ca.gov/wcab/wcab.htm
