A recent report from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics found that workers suffered around 2.8 million work-related sicknesses or injuries in 2022.
The report studied only non-fatal injuries and illnesses in the private sector. The report did not break down how serious the injuries were in detail.
However, many of these injuries required employees to miss work or to perform other tasks besides their usual job duties.
Based on the report, 2022 was a step backwards with respect to workplace safety. The combined number of injuries and illnesses marked a 7.5% increase over the same time in 2021.
Injuries were up 4.5% and accounted for 2.3 million incidents in 2022. Illnesses accounted for the remainder of the reported incidents that year.
In 2022, the number of reported work-related illnesses rose 26.1%. The report attributed this increase in part to a rise in respiratory-related illnesses among workers.
Those who suffer work-related injuries may have legal options
Workers in the greater Fargo area should do their part to stay safe while performing their jobs. However, employers and other businesses bear the responsibility for keeping employees safe.
Those injured or sickened at work may be able to avail themselves of South Dakota’s or Minnesota’s workers’ compensation programs. However, there is no guarantee that these benefits will be nearly enough to compensate a victim for their losses.
It depends on the circumstances, but many times, other people or businesses may be legally liable for a worker’s injuries. In these situations, an injured worker may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover additional compensation from all responsible parties. This compensation can include non-economic damages like pain and suffering or emotional distress.
Victims and their families should make sure that they understand all their options and alternatives after a workplace accident.