4 Common Office Injuries That Result In A Florida Workers’ Comp Claim

When people think of work injuries, they often think of factories, remote job sites, and construction jobs. An office job rarely comes to mind when thinking about a workers’ comp claim. However, there are dangers in the office that you may not be aware of until too late. Here are some of the more common office job-related injuries that may result in a Florida workers’ comp claim.

Falls

You can fall anywhere, even in an office setting. A wet floor or trip hazard can cause you to lose your balance or slip and fall. A fall can lead to long-term injuries and time off from work. Employers should repair loose or worn carpeting or other floorings, remove trip hazards, and secure things like cords and wire. Spills should be cleaned up immediately. […]

What Should I Know If I Have A Traffic Accident On The Job?

Being in a traffic accident is a traumatic experience. It can also be a very costly experience. Medical bills can quickly total thousands of dollars. You may also be out of work due to your injuries. If you do not have disability insurance, this could create a tremendous financial hardship. Below are two very important things you need to know if you are injured in a traffic accident while at work. […]

Three Key Difference Between Florida Workers Comp Claim And A Personal Injury Claim

It is easy to be confused by the differences in a workers compensation claim in Florida and a personal injury claim. Both claims related to an injury and the damages incurred because of that injury; however, the laws governing these types of injuries are very different. Below are three differences that many people find confusing when they are injured on the job. […]

Work-Related Fatalities Increase in Florida

According to information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, fatal occupational injuries are increasing in Florida. In 2015, 272 people died in work-related accidents throughout the state. The largest contributing factor or event that year was transportation incidents followed by falls, slips, and trips. During 2014, there were 228 people killed in work-related accidents and in 2013, 239 people died from work-related injuries. Transportation-related incidents and falls continue to be the leading factors in work-related deaths each year.  […]

Job-Related Electrocution Injuries In Florida

Electrocution is the fifth leading cause of employment-related fatalities in the United States. Employees who suffer electrocution injuries at work can sustain broken bones, severe burns, heart attack, spinal cord injuries, nerve damage, scarring, permanent disabilities, and neurological damage. Each year, more than 400 people die because of electrocution injuries in the workplace. […]

Workers Comp Claims For Chemical Exposure Injuries

Many workers handle dangerous chemicals every day as part of their job duties. Even though strict rules and regulations are in place to prevent injuries, chemical accidents happen. Exposure to these chemicals can cause severe injuries or death. Roughly 10 percent of occupational accidents are due to chemical or environmental exposure. Because of the danger, employers must take steps to protect employees from accidental chemical exposure. These steps may include providing additional and ongoing training and providing special safety equipment, including clothing and accessories. Unfortunately, even with the best protection and precautions, chemical exposure accidents can happen. […]

Another TECO Worker Dies from Injuries in Florida Industrial Accident

Fox 13 reports another tragic death from the TECO power plant industrial accident on June 29. Frank Jones was the fourth worker to die from injuries sustained in the June workplace accident. Six Tampa Electric workers were injured or killed in the accident at the Big Bend Power Plant while cleaning a tank. Two men died at the accident scene, and another man died later that week. The men were sprayed with molten stone waste as they were trying to unclog the tank. […]

Protecting Florida Teen Workers From Workplace Injuries

According to information provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are approximately 18 million workers under the age of 24 years in the United States. This number represents about 13 percent of the total workforce, but these workers have some of the highest occupational injury rates. The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) reports that 80 percent of teens are employed at some time during their high school years.

In 2004, more than 38,000 teen workers suffered an injury at work, and 134 teen workers died from on the job accidents and injuries. Each year, it is estimated that 70 teen workers die from work-related injuries and another 77,000 teen workers are sent to the emergency room for work-related accidents and injuries. […]

Can an Employer Do a Drug Test in a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Many times when a worker is injured while on the job, the employer will require a drug test. For the employee, this often doesn’t make sense when they were doing their regular work. However, Florida state law allows this practice to protect the employer and his business.

Safety Issues

A drug test may be required when the person seeks employment or as a routine fitness for duty test. It may also be required if a person has a history of drug problems or if there is reasonable suspicion. Drug or alcohol use may inhibit a person’s ability to perform his or her job correctly. This results in a higher risk of injury to the worker and his or her co-workers.

Most companies today maintain a drug-free workplace. If your employer implements such a drug-free program, by law your employer must provide notice and education for any drug or alcohol testing. Employers may then require employees to submit to a drug test to detect the presence of alcohol or drugs in the employee’s system. This includes a requirement for drug testing in a workers’ comp claim. […]

Workers’ Compensation Course and Scope

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What Does Course And Scope Mean In a Florida Workers’ Compensation Claim?

What is a Workplace Injury?

A workplace injury is any injury that occurs while an employee is performing duties in the course and scope of his or her job. Injuries can happen in a variety of ways including falls, burns, machinery, and toxic fumes. Even injuries that are the result of repetitive motion such as carpal tunnel syndrome can be covered by workers’ compensation. With very few exceptions, employers in Florida are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance.

What Benefits Do I Receive If I Am Injured At Work?

Florida’s workers’ compensation laws are designed to ensure that injured employees receive the medical care they need in order to recover from a workplace injury. Injured workers may also be entitled to other benefits including financial assistance while they are out of work due to a workplace injury and compensation for permanent disabilities caused by a workplace injury. In the event an employee dies from a workplace injury, the employee’s survivors may be entitled to death benefits. […]