Hearing loss is the greatest injury threat to workers

Every day, workers are exposed to a myriad of on-the-job hazards. Many of these hazards are obvious, and typically workers will take special precautions to protect themselves. But the most common type of work-related injury does not result from a single traumatic event, such as a fall from a ladder or scaffold. Rather, the injury that is most prevalent among American workers is far more subtle.

Reportedly, more workers suffer from hearing loss than any other form of workplace injury. The Centers for Disease Control conducted a study that examined data spanning the years 2003 through 2012. According to the CDC’s findings, every year around 22 million U.S. workers are subjected to hazardous occupational noise.

And all this noise is having a profound impact on workers in a variety of professions. For example, 16 percent of construction workers are said to have some measure of hearing loss, with three percent having impairments considered moderate or worse. Also, 14 percent of those in the manufacturing sector were found to have experienced hearing loss, and two percent had moderate or worse damage.

But even those working in environments that seem less hazardous were not immune. Among those working in the social service and healthcare sector, 11 percent suffered from hearing impairment.

Your hearing is an invaluable sense, and its loss could alter your life in numerous ways. If the loss is severe enough, you could even be forced to quit your job. Therefore, if you believe that exposure to noise at work has led to a hearing impairment, you should see a doctor as soon as you can.

If you can demonstrate that your hearing loss is work-related, you should be able to receive workers’ compensation to pay for your treatment. But sometimes it can be a challenge to prove that an injury stemmed from the conditions of a workplace and your claim could be denied. As such, it can be very helpful to have an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to represent your interests. Your attorney may be able to help you strengthen your claim in an effort to get the best possible settlement.

Category:

• WORKERS' COMPENSATION