You may have heard that gratitude is good for your health. Studies show that expressing gratitude can improve sleep, mood, and even your immunity to illnesses, while decreasing anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to practice gratitude. It seems our brains are designed to solve problems rather than appreciate. And while it may be natural to appreciate our families and friends, a good meal, or beautiful sunny day, it takes a little more work to recognize and be thankful for the things and people who keep us moving and make our lives better every day. It’s easy to take these things for granted.
For instance, as you’re out driving to work or running errands, you may be frustrated by the never-ending line of orange cones that signal road construction and cause delays (sigh), but have you ever stopped to think about how nice it is to have safe, smooth roads and thank the workers who make that happen? The house or apartment where you live, the building you work in, the stores you shop in, and the school that your children attend were built by ironworkers, construction laborers, and heavy equipment operators and finished by carpenters, electricians and plumbers.
Every day we encounter people, and the products and services they produce, who make our lives better – factory workers who build the cars we drive, powerline repairman who keep our electricity running, truck drivers that deliver the goods we need, and the grocery workers that stock the shelves, just to name a few.
Work Can be Risky Business
The truth is, without the thousands of workers who show up and do their jobs, and serve their communities, life as we know it would come to a grinding halt. And many of these workers perform difficult jobs that involve personal risk. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, there were 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries in 2022 (the latest available stats), and 5,486 fatal workplace injuries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics list the 10 most dangerous jobs in America as:
- Logging
- Fishing and hunting workers
- Roofers
- Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
- Structural iron and steel workers
- Delivery and truck drivers
- Garbage and recyclable material collectors
- Mining machine operators
- Construction trade workers
- Electrical powerline installers and repairers
Of course, work injuries can and do happen in all professions, which is why workers’ compensation is so important.
Helping America’s Workers
Workers’ compensation is a government-mandated, employer-paid insurance benefit for employees who are injured or become ill on the job. It’s meant to replace lost wages and cover medical expenses. However, filing a workers’ compensation claim can often be a complicated process and not every claim is guaranteed to be approved. In fact, many employees are shocked to find that their claim has been denied. That’s why workers need the guidance and support of experienced attorneys who are focused on protecting their rights.
Whether you’ve recently been injured or you’ve filed a claim that’s been denied, The Disability Guys are here to help you. If you haven’t filed a case, we’ll help you fill out the form you need in the right way. We’ll also guide you through the process with a proven action plan that maps out a legal strategy to get the benefits you deserve. Our goal is to provide peace of mind and help you return to the life you’ve missed.
Additionally, if you have sustained injuries that prevent you from returning to work, you may be eligible for social security disability. Again, the Disability Guys can help guide you through this complex process that involves mountains of paperwork and frequent disputes.
We believe that people who are injured on the job should be treated with respect and receive the compensation or benefits they need to recover and move on with their lives. Since 1933, we’ve been advocating for workers’ rights and providing critical legal guidance because we know America’s workers are the backbone of our country – and we are truly thankful for their contributions!
During this season of gratitude, why not take a moment to thank a worker you encounter in your daily life? A simple “thank you” could make his or her day – and give your health a boost in the process.