Workers’ Compensation Claims - Industrial Accidents at Work

Truck accidents, car accidents, repetitive motions resulting in musculoskeletal injuries, falling objects, exposure to hazardous chemicals and fumes, burns, overexertion, and hearing loss are typical industrial accidents that can occur in the workplace.  

The leading causes of industrial accidents include fatigue and stress, carelessness and negligence of employees, workplace violence, and hazardous materials. Other causes of industrial accidents are manufacturing defects, lack of proper training in body mechanics, and lack of training on the appropriate operating machinery and equipment procedures. Inadequate equipment maintenance and misuse of equipment also increase the risk. Other causes include not wearing protective and safety gear, improper handling of chemicals, poor leadership, and inadequate supervision.

An industrial accident is an unexpected, uncontrolled, and unplanned incident or mishap in the workplace that results in bodily injuries to a person. Injuries and disabilities can be classified as fatal, non-fatal, partial, or total.

Accidents vary in severity, degree of injuries, and duration. These effects can either be direct or indirect. Temporary accidents render the worker disabled for a short period. Permanent accidents can render the worker incapacitated for life.

Industrial safety protects workers and employees from dangerous incidents, health risks, injuries, and loss of life. To prevent industrial accidents, companies must have safety programs in place. They should be able to identify potential dangers and hazards and continuously and diligently monitor safety performance. Companies are also required to provide continuous education, training, and seminars on accident prevention. Failure to do so can make companies responsible for industrial accidents.

If you sustained an industrial accident, you are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits. However, you must meet two basic requirements before filing a claim.

• You’re employed and are working for the company. Former employees suffering from work-related injuries and illnesses can file a workers’ compensation claim.
• Your job-related duties caused your injury or illness.

If your injuries are unrelated to your duties, you are disqualified from claiming workers’ compensation benefits. For example, you cannot claim workers’ compensation benefits if you slip and fall while picking up your lunch. But, if you’re picking up your employer’s lunch, it can qualify as work-related. 

Workers’ compensation is for all employees, not just full-time employees. If you’re a seasonal or part-time employee, you’re also eligible if your injuries are work-related.

California’s workers’ compensation program gives you five benefits:

• The company pays for your medical care until you recover from your injuries.
• While you cannot do your job, the company pays you temporary disability benefits for your lost income.
• If your injuries are permanent, your company provides endless disability benefits. 
• If you never fully recover from the industrial accident and the company can’t provide you with alternative work, you receive supplemental job displacement benefits. Supplemental job displacement benefits are for educational retraining and skill enhancement classes provided by state-accredited and state-approved schools.
• If the industrial accident caused your death, your dependents would receive death benefits.