Starting at a new job can bring its share of hazards. You have a whole new environment to get familiar with, both physically and socially. There may be a wide range of new tasks that you have never performed before. Having so much at once to get used to and little time to do so can lead to injuries.
Most injuries happened in the first year
A new study issued by The Travelers Companies, Inc., the biggest workers’ compensation insurer in the United States, has revealed some sobering data. The study was made from a close analysis of over 1.5 million workers’ comp reports filed in the past five years. It stated that 35% of all injuries on the job occur during the first year of employment.
These are injuries that seem to occur regardless of the age of the employee or their level of skill. The conclusions revealed in the study seem to point to the lack of comprehensive onboarding and employee training programs across industry barriers. These are programs that are vital in training new workers to avoid hazards.
Industries most affected by injuries
It’s important for you to know the basic workers’ comp claims process in New Jersey, but it’s also crucial for you to know how to avoid getting hurt, especially if you work in an industry where injuries are common.
The restaurant industry reported the highest number of claims from employees who were in their first year. A total of 53% of claims were made by the very newest workers. These represented 47% of total workers’ comp claim costs. These represented claims for slip and fall accidents as well as other causes.
The construction industry came second on the list. Nearly half of all workers’ comp claims in construction were filed by people who were in their first year. These claims accounted for 52% of total claim costs reported by the industry. Many causes, such as poor safety training, have been cited as triggers.