5 Most Common Work-related Injuries
Every business strives for a safe working environment, but unfortunately, workplace injuries can happen. Even in the most secure settings, minor mishaps may leave employers and employees alike wondering if their workspace is as protected as they thought.
With over 4.6 million injuries occurring every year and 12,600 injuries daily, it’s apparent that workplace accidents are more common than we think. Understanding the most frequent on-the-job injuries is paramount to creating a safe working environment and avoiding more serious mishaps.
1. Overexertion
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), overexertion accounts for 33.54% of workplace injuries — making it the most frequent work-related injury in America today. From lifting heavy objects to long hours hunched over a desk, overexertion can cause back and neck injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff injuries, and more.
Manual laborers are especially at risk of developing repetitive strain injuries. Still, anyone with a job involving steady motions or strenuous tasks could suffer this ailment, leading to long-term, chronic pain and disability.
When this mishap occurs, an employee must take a break from work, pursue physical therapy, or get surgery to correct the problem. The employee should seek help from a personal injury lawyer if the employer didn’t provide the proper equipment, training, or breaks.
2. Equipment-related Injuries
Equipment-related injury accounts for 26% of all workplace injuries, according to the NSC. On-the-job accidents come in all shapes and sizes, whether a minor scrape from an unruly machine or something as life-changing as an amputation caused by faulty equipment.
To prevent these injuries, employers should ensure employees follow proper safety protocols and that their equipment is up-to-date. However, some equipment-related injuries may be severe, require surgery, or even cause death. Employers must hire a premises liability lawyer if an employee pursues legal action due to a lack of training or equipment defect.
3. Slip and Fall Accidents
With 25.8% of injuries caused by slip-and-fall accidents, this is a significant source of workplace injury. It can be easy to overlook spilled liquids or cluttered walkways that could cause someone to trip and fall. The damages can range from minor bruises or sprains to severe head injuries or broken bones. In extreme cases, a slip-and-fall can result in death.
If an injury occurs due to negligence, an employee should hire a slip-and-fall attorney and pursue legal action. The employer may be responsible for the employee’s medical bills and other expenses related to the slip-and-fall, so taking the necessary steps to prevent such accidents is important.
4. Transportation Accidents
In the United States, transportation accidents at the workplace were responsible for a shocking 22,000 fatalities from 2003 to 2014. The statistic was reported by the CDC Foundation and is an important reminder of just how hazardous workplace conditions can be if safety standards are not maintained.
Employers must take extra precautions to ensure their workers are properly trained and aware of the risks. They must also provide their employees with safe vehicles, equipment, and routes.
Depending on the accident’s severity, employees may hire an auto accident lawyer to help them get compensation for their medical expenses, wage losses, and other damages.
5. Chemical Exposure
Working with hazardous materials can be a dangerous proposition. In 2017, 41 people died from workplace exposure to toxic chemicals or other hazardous substances. Even seemingly minor incidents, such as an accidental spill or leak, may lead to short-term health issues and possibly death if proper safety precautions and protective gear are neglected.
Employees who suffer from chemical-related injuries may need to take time off for medical treatments or pursue legal action against their employer. In these cases, contacting a chemical exposure attorney for help is essential. The lawyer can provide sage advice and guide the employee through every legal step, even offering representation before a judge, if necessary.
Employers have a huge responsibility to protect their employees from harm, beginning with understanding the most common injuries in workplace settings. By adhering to state and federal regulations, employers can ensure they take all necessary steps toward injury prevention for every individual under their care.
Which Industries Have the Most Workplace Injuries?
Some industries have a higher risk of workplace injuries than others. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the five sectors with the most workplace injuries include:
- Construction: There were 986 fatal injuries in the U.S. in 2021 due to the many safety hazards on construction sites, such as scaffolding and heavy machinery.
- Transportation: There were 976 workplace fatalities in the United States in 2021 due to transportation-related accidents. These incidents may have been caused by long work hours and strenuous labor.
- Agriculture: There were 453 fatalities related to agricultural work in 2021, which included farmers and agricultural workers dealing with long hours, hazardous equipment, and exposure to extreme temperatures. Leading to physical strain that increases the risk of an injury or illness.
- Manufacturing: There were 383 fatalities in this category in 2021 alone, and they likely suffered from work-related illnesses due to stress, slip-and-falls, and overexertion.
With numerous industries having a shockingly high rate of occupational hazards, employers must protect their employees by offering proper training and enforcing necessary safety protocols. Doing so will reduce the risk of workplace injuries or fatalities and cultivate an environment where everyone can thrive.
Workplace Safety Best Practices
To prevent workplace injuries, employers must implement best practices in the workplace. These should emphasize the following:
- Communication: Employees must be updated with any job duty changes or new safety protocols. This should include providing training and instructions in both English and any other languages spoken by employees.
- Safety policies: Employers should communicate and enforce safety policies to prevent injuries. This should include proper lifting techniques, personal protective equipment, and safety protocols when operating machinery or hazardous materials.
- Regular inspections: Companies must perform periodic checks of the workplace to identify any potential risks or hazards. Reviews can help employers quickly address any issues before they become a problem.
- Discipline: Employers should take disciplinary action to ensure employees follow safety guidelines. This can include verbal reminders, written warnings, or more severe measures depending on the severity of the situation.
- A reporting system: A reporting system allows employees and supervisors to speak up over noncompliance issues or safety risks. Injuries may be prevented when employees can anonymously report issues in the workplace to supervisors.
By staying proactive and following best practices to reduce workplace injuries, companies are investing in their bottom line and protecting their staff from harm.
How To Handle an Injury at Work
When an injury occurs, it’s essential to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Getting treatment for the damage immediately may prevent more problems or additional injuries.
Additionally, report the incident to a supervisor or human resources representative. If your injury was due to a hazard, such as faulty equipment, an employer can take action to ensure no other employees are injured in the same manner. Maintaining open communication with your employer helps ensure you know their actions to prevent the injury from occurring again.
You should also discuss your workers’ compensation options with your employer. Your medical expenses and time away from work may be covered when you make a compensation claim. If not, you may need a worker’s compensation attorney or a workplace injury lawyer for legal assistance.
When the company understands how to prevent accidents and implement safety plans, the work environment remains relatively safe. However, if a workplace injury occurs, the employer and employee must work together to remedy the situation.
