As we have discussed on this blog in recent months, a recent Traveler’s Insurance report was released in which it identified the fact that 33% of all workers’ compensation claims were made by those employees who were on the job in their first year. This staggering number stands to be mirrored in the numbers for Connecticut workers’ compensation claims.
Regardless of the number of cases that impact first year employees, it is important to have an understanding of what these types of injuries are and how to prevent them. If a first-year employee does not know the dangers she/he is facing they may not be able to prevent them from happening. So, according to this same study, the following injuries are the most common among workers on the job in their first year;
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Overexertion (27%)
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Slips, trips, and falls (22%)
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Struck by an object (14%)
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Cuts and punctures (6%)
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Caught in or between hazards (6%)
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Motor vehicle accidents (6%)
There may be some very obvious ways that first year employees could cut down on injuries that impact their work. Take for instance, overexertion, this is a sign that many first year employees are working really hard to make a good impression on their new bosses, but that impression may fade if they end up missing work because they overexerted themselves. If you are in your first year on a job you will want to pace yourself so you can make a good impression without going overboard.
Of course, some of these injuries are generally speaking literal accidents that cannot be avoided. If a first year employee is not aware of what all the hazards are in a particular work environment she/he might find themselves wedged in between one of these hazards before they even know what is happening.
As a first year employee you should do everything you can to understand your work environment and the potential hazards that exist throughout it. It is also incumbent upon you to make sure you have participated in all safety offerings by your company so you can avoid making mistakes that will lead to injuries.
With all that said, if you do experience a Connecticut workers’ compensation injury you may be able to file a claim and that claim should be filed with your supervisor as soon as the injury occurs. You should do your best to document the injury and to seek medical attention as soon as you are able.
You may do all of the above and still need a board certified attorney to review the facts of your claim and help you navigate through the claims process. Contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys may assist you in protecting your long-term interests.
