We are now in the heart of winter with short daylight hours and sub-freezing temperatures as well as freezing rain and snow. This is not big news to people here in Pennsylvania who drive to and from work on our dark slippery roads. However, the winter months also present serious challenges for workplace safety to those working outside or even just parking in a lot and coming in to work.
Physical therapy-first is a growing part of workers' treatment
Workers' compensation claims and occupational injury rates have declined in recent years. According to a recent recent report by MedRisk, which located in King of Prussia, there has been a 13 percent increase in physical therapy or occupational therapy despite an 18 percent decrease in occupational injuries and a 19 percent decrease in claims frequency.
The government shutdown will affect workers' comp
The federal government shutdown that began at midnight on December 22 is only a partial one, but it will directly and indirectly affect many of the services the government provides. The good news is that Pennsylvania state workers' compensation claims will not generally be affected. Those whose Federal workers' compensation claims are approved will continue to receive their benefits, but those whose applications need to be processed will likely have a long wait.
