People working in manufacturing are at higher-than-average risk for a workplace injury. Statistics from 2019 indicate that 15% of all reported non-fatal workplace injuries and work-acquired illnesses involved someone working in manufacturing.
Of those workers, about 28% had strains or sprains, while pain was the primary issue for another 14.5%. Cuts, punctures and lacerations accounted for another 13.3%. Many factory workers who get hurt on the job suffer a traumatic injury that lasts for a few days or a few weeks. In some cases, they may need medical care but can return to the job with slightly altered responsibilities the very next day. Other times, the injury may be more severe.
Whether you had a traumatic injury involving a piece of equipment at your job or have developed a repetitive stress injury that the responsibilities of your position aggravate, if the issue is serious enough, you could face a future where you can no longer do a physical job.
Leaving manufacturing might mean accepting far lower wages
If you have always worked in a manufacturing setting, you may not have the skills or employment background to do other jobs that pay a premium wage. You may have to pursue entry-level positions at companies, possibly even customer service positions. That could mean that you go from a premium wage career to a minimum wage job almost overnight.
You shouldn’t have to absorb a work-related income loss
As someone who is always done very difficult and physical work to earn your living, you shouldn’t have to worry about not being able to support yourself and your family because you got hurt on the job.
The good news is that Pennsylvania workers’ compensation doesn’t just protect those who are too hurt to work at all. It also protects those who get hurt in a way that prevents them from earning the same amount in the future.
Depending on the severity of the injury and its impact on your health, you may qualify for partial permanent disability benefits or job retraining services. However, you will have to apply for those benefits and validate their necessity. An attorney’s assistant can make it significantly easier for you to navigate the workers’ compensation system.