Common workplace injuries in Rome's manufacturing, healthcare and industrial sectors

Workplace injuries can happen in any job, although some industries may be more dangerous than others. Some Rome employees face greater risks because they work around moving equipment, hot surfaces, chemicals, vehicles or patients who require physical assistance.

Common work injuries in Georgia include back and neck injuries, broken bones, torn ligaments, burns, crush injuries, hearing damage, repetitive stress injuries and occupational illnesses. Workers may also suffer catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage or amputations.

Automotive manufacturing injuries

F&P Georgia operates an automotive parts manufacturing facility in Rome with stamping, welding, painting and assembly operations. Jobs involving presses, robotic equipment, forklifts and production lines can expose workers to caught-between accidents, repetitive strain, lacerations and serious crush injuries.

Even when safety procedures are followed, a malfunctioning machine, unexpected movement or rushed production schedule can lead to an injury.

Paper mill and industrial injuries

International Paper operates its Rome Mill on Mays Bridge Road. Although safety is a top priority, paper and packaging facilities can involve heavy machinery, elevated work areas, chemicals, heat, noise and vehicle traffic.

Mill employees may suffer burns, respiratory injuries, falls, equipment-related injuries or hearing loss. Contractors, maintenance employees and truck drivers may also be covered if an accident arises out of their work.

Food-processing injuries

Rome has a large food-processing sector, including the local Kellanova plant that many longtime workers may associate with the area’s Kellogg or Keebler operations. Current production jobs in Rome continue to involve plant operations, maintenance and manufacturing work.

Food-production employees may be hurt by conveyor systems, cutting equipment, slippery floors, repetitive lifting, extreme temperatures or exposure to cleaning chemicals.

Healthcare injuries

Healthcare workers at Atrium Health Floyd, Harbin Clinic and other local facilities spend their days caring for others, but their own injuries are often overlooked. Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic now operate as an integrated healthcare team serving Northwest Georgia.

Nurses, nursing assistants, technicians, paramedics, and support staff may suffer lifting injuries, needlestick wounds, falls, patient-related injuries, or exposure to infectious illnesses.

What benefits are available through Georgia workers' compensation?

Georgia generally requires businesses with at least three employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This includes regular part-time employees.

Available benefits may include:

• Authorized medical care: Workers’ compensation may pay for authorized doctor visits, hospital care, surgery, physical therapy, prescriptions and necessary medical travel.
• Temporary total disability benefits: If you cannot work for more than seven days, you may receive weekly benefits based on two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to the state maximum.
• Temporary partial disability benefits: If you return to work but earn less because of injury-related restrictions, you may qualify for a portion of the difference.
• Permanent partial disability benefits: Benefits may be available when an injury causes permanent impairment or leaves a worker permanently unable to maintain employment.
• Death benefits: Eligible dependents may receive wage benefits and burial expenses after a fatal workplace accident.

Receiving workers' compensation benefits is not automatic simply because you were hurt at work. You must show that your injury arose out of and in the course of your employment. Insurance companies may investigate how the accident happened, review your medical records, and request documentation about your job duties before approving certain benefits.

Medical benefits can include much more than an emergency room visit. Depending on the nature of your injury, workers' compensation may cover diagnostic testing, follow-up appointments, surgery, physical therapy, prescription medications and other authorized treatment that is reasonably necessary for your recovery. You may also be entitled to reimbursement for certain travel expenses related to authorized medical care.

Every workplace injury is different. Someone who suffers a minor strain may only need a few weeks of treatment, while another worker with a serious back injury, traumatic brain injury, or crush injury may require months of medical care and time away from work. Understanding which benefits may be available – and making sure the insurance company pays them correctly – can make a significant difference while you recover.

Workers’ compensation does not normally include damages for pain and suffering. Its purpose is to provide specific medical, wage and disability benefits rather than the broader damages available in a personal injury lawsuit.