What Are The 10 Most Common Workplace Accidents?
Workplace injuries are way more common than they should be. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were nearly 2.9 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2016, which includes almost 900,000 severe cases requiring days away from work. Unfortunately, these statistics also include 5,190 workers who died from a work-related injury in the United States in that same year, the highest annual figure since 2008.
The majority of the 10 most common injuries on the job are completely random occurrences that can happen anytime to anyone, but every employer should take great care to ensure a safe work environment and each employee should also be as careful as possible on the job to prevent accidents.
These are the top ten most common workplace accidents, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Injuries From Overexertion
This classification includes injuries related to carrying, throwing, pushing, pulling, lifting and holding motions on the job. Overexertion is listed as the number one workplace injury and also the most expensive because it accounts for $3.4 million in costs annually.
Slipping or Tripping
The second most common cause of workplace injuries is related to falls on wet and slippery floors or tripping over something lying on the floor. Employees need to pay attention to their surroundings and employers need to have safety guidelines that ensure that dangerous spills are immediately cleaned up and that there are no dangerous messes at the site.
Falling From High Places
This type of fall happens when an employee is in an elevated area such as a ladder, a stairway, or a roof. These incidents can be caused by accidental falls or because of equipment that isn’t working properly. These accidents can be reduced by employees paying closer attention to the task at hand, the use of proper fall protection equipment, and proper training.
Reaction Injuries
Reaction injuries are caused by slipping or tripping without falling to the floor. These episodes can cause trauma to the body, muscle injuries, and a multitude of other medical issues. The events can be hard to prevent but it is important for employees to pay attention to what is happening around them in the workplace.
Injuries From Falling Objects
Things that are dropped by fellow employees or that fall from shelves can cause serious trauma. Head injuries are the most common result of this type of accident. Employees must pay careful attention to their surroundings and employers must keep the work environment free from hazards to help prevent these kinds of injuries. Proper protection gear, such as hard hats, can also be useful in keeping employees safe from these kinds of injuries.
Injuries From Running Into Things
These kinds of injuries happen when someone accidentally runs into fixed objects like doors, windows, walls, tables, chairs and other immovable objects. Head, knee, and foot injuries are common results. Employer focus on keeping the work environment free from hazards and employee diligence are great ways to help prevent these types of injuries.
Vehicle Accidents
People who drive for business purposes are often injured in vehicle accidents, and some of these accidents can be fatal. Employee safety training and employers who encourage safe driving practices can help reduce these types of incidents.
Machine Entanglement
This kind of incident often occurs in factories where machinery and heavy equipment are used. Fingers and hair can get stuck in equipment, which can cause injuries. Employees should be encouraged to wear proper protective equipment and cover up longer hair if exposure could cause accidents.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
This kind of injury is harmful in the long run. Repetitive motions that come with activities such as typing and using a computer can strain muscles and tendons causing carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, and vision problems. Employee training and the use of proper ergonomic equipment can help keep these occurrences to a minimum.
Violent Acts In The Workplace
Attacks caused by arguments or office politics have led to serious physical injuries or even death. Employee training, proper communication, and diligence in watching out for suspicious activities can help reduce these incidents.
At Los Angeles Injury Group, we understand how critical workplace injuries can be in California; therefore, we do everything within our power to best assist our clients in getting the compensation they deserve. We believe our clients should receive payment for any damages and losses they’ve suffered. If you, or someone you love, received injuries or were killed in a workplace accident, call (310) 954-7248..