Whether continuing education and working part-time, or working full-time, enthusiasm sometimes overrides focus on performing tasks with long-term health and safety in mind. Society encourages the “do-er” and people are told they have to pay their dues to earn their way in the job culture. The reality of today’s economy, many companies in various industries are cutting costs and expecting more from their employees.
Construction and service industries are some of the most physically demanding jobs a worker can be exposed to on a daily basis. By and large construction companies do offer health and safety training, particularly those paying contributions to WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.). Typically, the training is geared to high-risk tasks – fall arrest, respiratory safety, confined-space safety, WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Information System,) etc.
One of the most common injuries is lower back pain, contributing to 18% of employee claims, according to WSIB this year. What is difficult about this issue is a claim that may discover the worker’s injury is in part due to a pre-existing condition. Though the claim may not be denied, it’s important to understand Ontario is the only province in Canada without a policy dealing with pre-existing conditions. When someone finds themselves in the unfortunate situation of having suffered this injury at work, it is important to seek the advice of a personal injury specialist in addition to immediate medical attention.
An aging workforce are some of the most vulnerable people for this type of injury. The personal injury specialist can advise one on how to circumnavigate all legal avenues where a dispute with an employer over the injury exists. Fortunately for the worker, consultation with an expert is free, and when a legitimate claim is identified, typically fees are not collected until a successful resolution is concluded.
Where the economy is forcing workers into longer hours with labour-intensive work, fatigue is inherently the risk factor. Pressures forcing a deadline often lead to ignoring what the body can endure, resulting in repeated strain. And workers are often at the mercy of their culture… to perform until the job is done.
Having said lower back injury claims amount to 18%, it is also reported that sprains and strains are the most common injury reported as 40% of claims. It’s all connected in the body. When one area of the body is strained, another part of the body will overcompensate. When the back goes out, it’s excruciatingly painful, and takes a great deal of therapy for even short-term recovery. Inevitably, it’s a long-term injury and requires very careful management. Those are key points to remember when trying to assess what the true cost is to an individual.
The law firm of Paciocco & Mellow aims to help provide you with Peace of Mind at a Difficult Time. Contact the Windsor personal injury lawyers at Paciocco & Mellow at (519) 915-SORE (7673). We can provide you with a free, no obligation initial consultation.