Workplace safety has always been and will always remain a major concern for employers, as well as for the workers who place their trust in safety rules and procedures. Yet, accidents do happen. Here’s a list of the 10 most common accidents in the workplace, so you will know what to watch for in order to reduce your risk of injury on the job.
- Overexertion
This is, by far, the most common and most avoidable workplace injury, responsible for the largest number of worker’s compensation claims. It comes into play when a worker overextends his capabilities by stretching too far, overreaching, or lifting objects to heavy for his physique. It can result in sprains, strains, and back injuries.
- Trips, Slips, and Falls
This involves slipping on icy or wet surfaces, or tripping over obstacles that have been left on a walkway. These types of accidents can occur indoors or outdoors. A slip, trip, or fall can occur anyplace the floor or grounds are improperly maintained.
- Fall to a Lower Level
This type of fall most often happens on construction sites, but it can occur in other industries as well. Even schoolteachers have been known to fall down a flight of stairs. A worker can fall from a roof, or from a high landing or level as well.
- Bodily Reaction
This type of injury is generally related to falls. It occurs when, in the act of falling, the body’s involuntary reaction causes an awkward landing. It can result in sprains, strains, back or head trauma, or broken bones.
- Struck by a Falling Object
This involves objects falling from a higher location and most often results in head injuries. Although common in construction and manufacturing, this type of accident can also occur in retail and office environments.
- Struck Against an Object
An individual can either be pushed into an object, or they may accidentally fall against something, such as a wall, door handle, or bookcase. This often happens with factory and office workers.
- Highway Incidents
Specifically related to those traveling for work or while at work, this involves accidents on the road. It primarily affects truck drivers, police officers, and those traveling for business reasons.
- Machinery Accidents
Typically related to manufacturing environments, these workers compensation claims involve workers who are injured or mutilated, when operating machinery. For this reason, employers institute extensive training programs and safety protocols to reduce the risks of injury.
- Repetitive Motion
This involves injuries that can occur without an accident or mishap. Just be doing the same tasks over and over in the same manner, workers can develop conditions such as tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or bursitis.
- Workplace Violence
While rare, violence in the workplace does occur and it can result in workers compensation claims and, in extreme circumstances, wrongful death lawsuits. Findings released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that there were 375 shooting-related deaths in the workplace in 2012.
While taking every reasonable precaution can reduce the risk that you’ll suffer a workplace injury, accidents will always happen. If you are injured on the job and facing the complexities of filing for workers compensation, an experienced attorney can help. Contact ‘MAGGIO LAW for your initial consultation today. Together, we can review your case and determine your best options.
Sources:
https://www.trustedchoice.com/insurance-articles/business-occupational/common-workmans-comp-claims/
