4 Most Common Workplace Injuries and What to Do About Them

workplace accident

According to the United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics, about 2.8 million nonfatal accidents happen in the workplace every year. In 2020, there were 4,764 deadly work injuries in the United States. Even though most employers try to keep their work environments safe, it isn’t always possible. Here are a few of the most common workplace injuries. 

Slips, Trips, and Falls

These accidents account for about a third of workplace injuries. They are the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims. The injuries resulting from these accidents include back, neck, and head injuries, pulled muscles, and broken bones. 

The main causes of these accidents include loose rugs, uncovered cables, poor lighting, uneven surfaces, and oily surfaces. 

There are a few main tips to prevent workplace accidents: wearing the appropriate footwear, good housekeeping, and installing sufficient lighting. Encourage employees to minimize clutter and report damages. In case of an accident, seek the help of professionals like Wieand Law Firm as soon as possible.

Vehicle-Related Accidents

Wherever accidents are involved, there is always a possibility of getting into an accident. Therefore, it is no surprise that vehicle-related accidents are some of the most common ones. They include colliding with another vehicle, being struck by a moving vehicle, and falling from a company vehicle. 

The first step towards avoiding these injuries is educating company drivers. Ensure that they understand speed limits, directions, and road safety measures. If there are any obstructions, make sure they are visible. 

Getting Struck By Machinery

Such injuries are likely to happen in workplaces that use heavy machinery. They may include construction and farm equipment. If the machinery isn’t guarded properly or the employees don’t know how to use it, it could be a significant safety hazard. 

If an employee’s body part is caught in a flying object or an exposed moving part, the results could be fatal. Common injuries from heavy machinery include severed fingers, crushed arms, and blindness. 

You can prevent these accidents by offering employees consistent safety training. Ensure that they wear the appropriate clothing as well. 

Working hazard

Overexertion Injuries and Repetitive Stress

Musculoskeletal disorders are costly yet common workplace injuries. Companies spend over seven billion dollars on back complaints every year. The injuries result in over 100 million lost workdays every year. They can significantly reduce productivity and affect workers long term. 

Repetitive Stress injuries include over 100 types of job-related injuries. In extreme cases, they can inhibit your ability to conduct simple tasks. They could make it impossible for an employee to keep working. 

The causes of these injuries include lifting heavy objects, repetitive work, and lifting with your knees rather than your back. 

Ergonomics will help prevent these injuries. It is all about adjusting your tasks to suit bodily needs and prevent injuries. Frequent breaks will help you prevent these injuries. 

What to Do About Workplace Injuries

When an employee has an injury at the workplace, you would be smart to deal with it immediately. Being prepared for work injuries makes it easier to deal with them when they happen. Here are a few preparation tips to keep in mind:

  • Getting a safety officer to handle particularly dangerous tasks
  • Create plans to respond to different types of accidents
  • Keeping your first aid kit stocked with supplies and ensuring that it is accessible

If injuries occur, respond to them immediately. Get the other workers to a safe place, assess the situation, and administer first aid to the injured. Gather as much evidence on the case as you can and file a workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible. 

Accidents in the workplace are more common than you may imagine. The most common ones include slips and trips, overexertion injuries, and vehicle-related accidents. Prepare for them ahead of time to avoid panic when they finally happen.