Thanks to improved safety procedures and policies, workplace accidents have fallen through the years. For example, in 1970, workplace accidents numbered 38 per day on average, and in 2019 the number had fallen to just 15.
While this is good news, there is still work to be done. Being injured at work still happens too often and leaves workers with serious, life-altering conditions to deal with.
One of the best ways to protect yourself from common workplace injuries is to know what they are. This information can help you take steps to protect yourself.
Trips, Slips, and Falls
It’s estimated that trip, slip, and fall accidents account for about one-third of all injuries in the workplace. They are also a leading cause of workers’ compensation claims.
Some of the injuries that are caused by trips, slips, and falls include broken bones, pulled muscles, sprains, cuts, and neck and back injuries.
Any injured employees who find themselves in this situation should contact a professional for legal advice.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Another common work-related injury is auto accidents. Anyone who drives as part of their jobs is constantly exposed to faulty automotive equipment, inclement weather, and negligent weather.
Along with vehicles on the road, this category includes construction workers who are hit by equipment on the job site or warehouse workers struck by a forklift.
The types of injuries seen in these accidents are the same as other auto accidents that occur.
Fire and Explosions
Fires and explosions at work result from issues like faulty gas lines, open flames, and improperly stored combustible materials.
The injuries that may occur include damage to the respiratory system and varied levels of burns, and possible disfigurement.
While fires and explosions only account for about three percent of workplace injuries, they have the largest casualty rate of all the accidents listed here.
Overexertion and Repetitive Stress Injuries
When it comes to expensive workplace injuries, musculoskeletal disorders are at the top of the list.
In fact, complaints related to back pain cost companies over seven billion dollars each year and result in over 100 million lost workdays each year. These types of injuries result in the loss of productivity and millions in yearly benefit payout costs.
The financial impact on employers is substantial. While this is true, the long-term effects it has on workers can be severe and even cause long-term issues.
Now You Know the Most Common Workplace Injuries
Knowing what they are is one of the best ways to keep yourself safe when it comes to the most common workplace injuries. Unfortunately, there’s no foolproof way to avoid getting hurt at work.
Understanding the types of injuries that may occur is helpful, but you have to take steps to keep yourself and others safe, as well.
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