New technologies may reduce risk of job related injuries in Georgia

May 30, 2013

New technologies may reduce risk of job related injuries in Georgia

Article provided by Law Office of D. Lee Biola, LLC
Visit us at http://www.workers-compensation-atlanta.com

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that almost 1.2 million workers were injured while on the job and an additional 4,609 were killed. Accidents can occur in any work environment, but truck drivers, medical professionals, construction workers and laborers appear to be at the greatest risk for injury.

One company is applying a novel concept in an attempt to help reduce the risk of injuries in the workplace: virtual reality.

Tactus Technologies, a software company focusing on virtual reality applications, has designed virtual training programs designed to reduce the risk of injury and death in the workplace. The technology, developed with funding from a NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) grant, could result in a safer work environment.

The current program focuses on providing safe, interactive training for forklift operators, but the technology opens a door to many possibilities. The developers behind the software claim simulators can be offered for "low and reasonable costs," potentially leading to endless training opportunities. Construction workers could receive virtual training before using dangerous tools; truck drivers could potentially have virtual training to increase preparedness for various road conditions and hazards.

Georgia law and statute of limitations on workers' compensation claims

Even with new and improved training techniques, accidents can happen in the workplace. Employees injured on the job are often eligible for workers' compensation benefits to cover the cost of medical and rehabilitative expenses as well as missed wages.

There are various steps to complete in order to receive these benefits. First, a worker must promptly report the injury to the employer. After the injury is reported, The Georgia State Board of Workers' Compensation handbook states that in most cases an employee has one year from the date of the injury to file a workers' compensation claim.

There are exceptions to the one year rule. In some cases, a worker may not be aware of an injury until a later date. The most common example involves exposure to asbestos which can lead to a variety of lung cancers and occupational diseases. If a worker is the victim of an occupational disease, he or she may be able to make a claim for benefits one year after becoming aware of the connection between the disease and employment.

Navigating through the intricacies of a workers' compensation claim can be difficult, particularly since the law is subject to change every year. If you or a loved one is injured or suffers a disease connected to employment, it is important to contact an experienced Georgia workers' comp attorney to discuss the situation and the workers' compensation benefits that may be available.