Minnesota has a robust workforce with over three million employees supporting diverse industries. While the state’s economy thrives thanks to the dedication of its workers, the unfortunate truth is that many face risks on the job every day.
Even in workplaces with rigorous safety protocols, accidents can still occur, sometimes with life-altering consequences. What are the most common workplace injuries in Minnesota, and how can you protect your rights? At Osterbauer Law Firm, we have all the answers.
Minnesota Workplace Injuries by the Numbers
Workplace woes in Minnesota have declined in recent years, indicating progress in safety measures across industries. According to the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, the rate of nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in the state dropped from 3.8 cases per 100 full-time-equivalent (FTE) workers in 2022 to 2.9 cases per 100 FTE workers in 2023.
In terms of total cases, there were approximately 65,100 OSHA-recordable, nonfatal injuries and illnesses, a significant reduction from the 85,400 cases reported in the previous year. Respiratory illnesses were also down, with 3,000 cases reported compared to 19,100.
Minnesota recorded 70 fatal work-related injuries in 2023, down from 80 in 2022. The state’s fatal injury rate also saw a slight decrease, from 2.8 to 2.5 fatalities per 100,000 FTE workers.
Common Workplace Injuries in Minnesota
The numbers are a reminder of the pressing need to remain vigilant as employees and responsible as employers. Workplace safety is a top priority, but accidents continue to affect employees, resulting from equipment failure, human error, poor training, or generally unsafe working conditions. In Minnesota, there are at least three common workplace injuries.
Exposure to Harmful Substances or Environments
Healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and chemical processing workers are especially vulnerable to exposure-related injuries, which can be due to the following:
- Contact with hazardous chemicals
- Repeated inhalation of toxic fumes
- Exposure to biological agents like viruses or bacteria
- Extreme temperatures or loud noise environments
This type of concern can lead to chronic respiratory illnesses, skin disorders, poisoning, and long-term organ damage.
Overexertion and Bodily Reactions
Overexertion injuries often come from lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy objects. Repetitive motions, such as assembly line work or typing, and awkward body positions or poor ergonomics are also contributors. Workers in construction, warehousing, and logistics face a particularly high risk of muscle strains, joint injuries, herniated discs, and other musculoskeletal disorders.
Falls, Trips, and Slips
Slipping on wet surfaces, tripping over uneven flooring, and falling from ladders, scaffolding, or elevated platforms can result in concussions, broken bones, spinal injuries, or even fatalities. Anyone who works at heights or in physically demanding jobs is in danger, as are those who work with poor lighting or cluttered walkways.
Protecting Your Rights as an Employee
A safe and healthy work environment is a right. As such, when you get involved in a workplace accident, you must act swiftly and do the following:
- Report the injury immediately to your supervisor or HR department.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Document everything.
- File a workers’ compensation claim.
A workplace injury claim in Minnesota is available to anyone injured on the job. However, the system can be complex, bringing in wrongfully denied or underpaid claims. Fortunately, there are work injuries lawyers in Minnesota to fight for what you are entitled to.
Working With Work Injuries Lawyers in Minnesota
A work injury lawyer is a professional who focuses on legally helping workers injured on the job. They understand the laws for a workplace injury claim in Minnesota and advocate for your rights. Here are all the ways they serve you.
Evaluate Your Case
An attorney reviews the circumstances of your injury to determine the strength of your claim and the compensation you may demand.
File the Proper Paperwork
Filing a workplace injury claim in Minnesota involves strict deadlines and extensive paperwork. Hence, a lawyer ensures you file everything correctly and on time.
Gather Evidence
To build a solid case, they collect supporting documentation, including medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert opinions.
Negotiate With Insurers
Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. Your attorney will negotiate to secure fair compensation on your behalf.
Represent You in Hearings or Appeals
If your claim is denied, your lawyer will guide you through the appeals process and represent you in administrative hearings or court proceedings.
Workplace mishaps happen when you least expect them, and their impact is physical, emotional, and financial. You need someone in your corner who knows the law and truly cares about you.
Contact Osterbauer Law Firm Today
Osterbauer Law Firm is a trusted team of work injury lawyers in Minnesota, committed to helping you get through the medical bills, denied claims, or lost income. We give all our attention to the legal aspects so you can be all in on your healing.
Your comeback starts with a single step; let us take it with you. Call Osterbauer Law Firm today at (612) 334-3434 or contact us online for a free consultation.
