Injuries at work are generally caused by long-term exposure to hazardous conditions, repetitive motion or physical exertion. The most frequent causes of a workplace injury include overexertion from manual labor and lifting heavy objects, slips and falls on wet or uneven surfaces, and contact with hazardous materials or chemicals.
The 10 most common injuries at work are:
Overexertion – This is the leading cause of worker’s compensation claims in the U.S., resulting in sprains, strains and other musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Examples of overexerting oneself include pulling, pushing, carrying or lifting too much weight; using improper body mechanics while working; and repetition of certain motions over time.
Falls – Falls can occur from unsafe working conditions or surfaces, such as wet and slippery floors. People can also trip over objects that are left in the walkway, or on ladders or scaffolding while working at height.
Slips – Slips often result from a combination of wet surfaces and improper footwear. Some slips may be more serious than others and can lead to fractures, sprains and head injuries.
Cuts & Lacerations – Sharp objects like knives, power tools and other machinery pose obvious hazards for workers who come into contact with them during their jobs.
Back Injuries – Back injuries can range from mild strains to debilitating herniated discs. Overexertion is the most common cause of back injury in the workplace, but falls and repetitive motion can also contribute to back trauma.
Repetitive Motion Injuries – Repetitive motion injuries are most common in jobs that require workers to perform the same task over and over, such as typing or assembly line work. These injuries usually result from inadequate breaks and poor ergonomics.
Struck by Objects – Struck-by-object accidents occur when a worker is hit by an object due to contact with machinery, falling debris or tools.
Exposure to Toxic Substances & Chemicals – Exposure to toxic substances like asbestos, lead and hazardous chemicals can cause respiratory illnesses, skin irritation and other health problems.
Machinery Accidents – Accidents involving machines can include entanglement in moving parts, which can lead to amputations.
Stress – Workplace stress can cause physical and psychological harm, including heart disease and depression. Stress can result from long hours, high workloads or bullying from co-workers or supervisors.
Heat & Cold Injuries – Workers who are exposed to extreme temperatures for extended periods of time may suffer from heat exhaustion, frostbite, hypothermia and other conditions.
According to http://topinjurylaw.com/, by familiarizing yourself with the most common injuries at work, you can reduce your risk of injury by following proper safety protocols and creating a safe working environment. This should include hazard assessments, employee training and the use of personal protective equipment when necessary. Hiring employees that have been properly trained to safely perform their duties is also an important part of creating a safe working environment.
Additionally, employers should provide employees with ergonomically-friendly workspaces and tools to reduce the risk of repetitive motion injuries and back strain. Furthermore, implementing policies that promote a healthy work-life balance such as regular breaks and vacation time can help reduce stress-related illnesses. By taking these safety steps, businesses can ensure they are protecting their employees from common workplace injuries while promoting productivity and employee satisfaction.