January 10, 2018 | seo If you get hurt on the job in Oklahoma, you may be eligible to seek workers’ compensation benefits. When we think about some of the most workplace injuries, we often think of accidents that happen at construction sites, such as falls from heights, or slip and fall accidents that occur in restaurants, healthcare facilities, and other places where an employee may be likely to slip, trip, or fall. Such falls often result in severe back injuries that can be worsened by continuing job duties, such as lifting. Indeed, for quite some time, organizations such as the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) discussed back injuries as among the most common causes for work absences and workers’ compensation claims. However, according to a recent report from the BLS, a new study reports that head injuries might actually be the most common reason for workplace injuries and days away from work. How do workers who sustain head injuries on the job in Oklahoma seek workers’ compensation benefits? Head Injuries Common Among Workers When we look at incidence rates of injuries and illnesses on the job in 2016, a surprising fact emerges: head injuries happen more often than we used to think, and they result in a substantial number of days of missed work. According to the BLS report, “injuries to the head resulted in higher incidence rates of cases with days away from work than days of job transfer or restriction in six industries studied.” In addition to head injuries, the other injuries that resulted in the most days away from work were back injuries and hand injuries. In addition, the report also calculated the total number of days of job transfer or restricted work as a result of workplace accidents and injuries. Again, head, back, and hand injuries topped the list, but back injuries resulted in the highest number of days of job transfer or restricted work. What Should You Do if You Suffer a Head or Back Injury On the Job? If you are involved in an accident at work, you should learn more about seeking workers’ compensation benefits. The Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission explains that workers’ compensation covers medical for work-related injuries or illnesses, as well as payments for lost wages when you miss work because of a work-related injury. Do you need assistance filing a workers’ compensation claim or appealing a denial of benefits? An Oklahoma workers’ compensation lawyer can help. Contact Lobaugh Law for more information.