Common Myrtle Beach Work Injuries and What to Do If You’ve Been Hurt

On average, Americans spend more than nine hours every day at work or performing work-related activities. With so many waking hours spent on the job, it’s not surprising that illnesses and injuries do occur there. In 2018, there were more than 2.8 million nonfatal work injuries reported to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), causing more than 900,000 days of missed work for employees. Workers in South Carolina aren’t immune from the risks on the job, either. The last report issued from the BLS cited more than 32,000 workers were injured in 2016 in the state. 

The workforce in Myrtle Beach is diverse, and workers in all fields face some risks on the job. Some of the most common causes of workplace injury include:

The BLS cites slips, trips, and falls as frequent causes of injury. In Horry County, the top employers are hospitals, schools, and grocery stores. At these locations, workers are especially at risk for these types of accidents. Constant foot traffic and the need for workers to transport both people and goods can create hazards. Food service workers should also be aware of the dangers as they navigate crowded restaurants, especially during the busy tourist season.

Car accidents are the leading cause of work-related death in the U.S. In Myrtle Beach, with the steady stream of visitors on unfamiliar roads, all drivers should be cautious behind the wheel. While those who make deliveries or visit job sites are frequent victims of these accidents, any employee who travels on work-related business could be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits related to a crash.

Many employees spend their days at work performing similar tasks over and over. Repeated bending, lifting, pulling, and even typing can lead to injury.

 

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Overexertion occurs when the body is pushed past its physical limits. The body breaks down and is more susceptible to injury.

Machinery accidents.

 

South Carolina is home to many manufacturers. Workers in this industry should be aware of the dangers of machinery accidents, which can include getting caught in, pinned against, or struck by elements of a machine.

While some workplace injuries are caused by accidents and are immediately recognized as severe, other injuries can develop over time. In both cases, workers can face significant pain and may be unable to perform their job duties. Some common examples of these injuries include:

● Sprains and strains

● Broken bones

● Cuts and lacerations

● Burns

● Carpal tunnel

● Bursitis

● Back injury

● Spinal cord injury

 

While these injuries are among the most common, this isn’t a comprehensive list. Most South Carolina employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, and any injury related to work could be covered.

South Carolina law states that any employee who suffers an injury or illness arising out of or in the course of employment has a right to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits include medical care, wage replacement, and more. If you or someone you love suffered a work-related injury, it’s important to protect your rights to those benefits by:

Workers must report their injury to their employer within 90 days of the accident or injury or within 90 days of discovery of the condition. 

Injured employees should seek treatment for their injuries as soon as possible. In South Carolina, employers will choose the medical provider unless the worker experiences a serious injury that requires immediate, emergency care.