The frequency of claims under the workmen’s compensation insurance policy can be much higher than you would expect. Labour-intensive sectors like manufacturing units, construction, logistics or site-based operations are highly prone to workplace accidents. Even companies with good safety culture and strict SOPs for operations experience incidents. And in such situations, workers’ compensation coverage serves as a safety net that prevents employers from the legal and financial liabilities.
Understanding the most common reasons behind these claims helps employers prevent avoidable accidents and reduce the claim frequency.
Common Reasons for Employees to File Workers’ Compensation Claims
1. Slips, Trips and Falls
These are the most common causes of commercial insurance claims. Wet floors, clutter in the warehouse, uneven surfaces, loose cables and poor lighting all contribute to the risk. However, these minor reasons can lead to fractures, ligament tears or back injury.
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2. Machine-Related Injuries
Factories, printing units, carpentry workshops, metal fabrication units, CNC machines and textile mills all involve high-speed rotating parts, cutters or presses. If guards are not installed or workers operate machines without proper training, injuries are common and can be severe.
3. Back Injuries due to Lifting or Carrying Weights
Warehousing, delivery operations and logistics teams often have to deal with heavy lifting or loading materials. Back injuries are among the highest reported claims. Incorrect postures can also contribute to back injuries or result in limited mobility.
4. Chemical Exposure
Industries such as paint manufacturing, chemical warehouses, dyeing units and pharmaceutical industries deal with active chemicals on a daily basis. Without proper PPE availability, ventilation and training, workers are at a higher risk of exposure to harmful chemicals. Chemical exposure can result in skin irritation, breathing issues, rashes and internal harm. The effects of such exposure might not be immediate and can be evident over a certain period.
5. Burns and Fire Accidents
Hot machinery, welding sparks, boiler rooms, soldering tools, kitchen burners in restaurants and metal manufacturing units all involve fire exposure risks. Without gloves, flame-resistant clothing or proper distance protocols, workers can suffer partial or full burns. While treatment of burn injuries can be expensive, without a proper workmen’s compensation insurance policy, the employer might have to face heavy liability.
6. Falling Objects
Forklifts move cargo, stacked shelves and loose material stored at height and construction sites have to deal with overhead loads. If material falls from height or slips from machinery. Head injuries and fractures are common.
7. Repetitive Strain Injuries
Many claims are filed due to repetitive strain on joints, shoulders, wrists or lower back. Assembly line work, precision work, continuous manual repetitions or awkward working postures can slowly create conditions that require medical intervention and eventually claims.
Leverage Smoother Claim Settlements with Workers’ Compensation Insurance from TATA AIG
Accidents will always be a possibility when physical labour and industrial operations are considered. That is why choosing a reliable insurer matters. TATA AIG has strong expertise in handling workers’ compensation insurance policy claims, guiding employers through documentation, legal calculations and faster settlements.
With industry-specific commercial insurance plans that can cater to every business, despite their size, TATA AIG helps you meet legal compliance while also supporting you financially. With TATA AIG, you are better prepared to handle financial and statutory responsibilities that arise when workplace injuries occur.
