What Are the Most Common Workplace Injuries?

Workplace injuries are quite common, so it’s always a good idea to be educated on the most common workplace injuries and what to do next if one should occur. Different jobs have different risks, but this article aims to provide you with general information about the most common workplace injuries that people experience. The more knowledge you have about a workplace injury, the more likely it is that you will be able to successfully recover compensation in your case. 

At Morgan & Morgan, we do everything in our power to get injured workers the compensation and the justice they deserve. We treat all of our clients with respect and compassion while fighting for them every step of the way. Morgan & Morgan is always ready to help. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. 
 
Many workplace injuries are totally preventable, but they often occur because of an employer’s negligence or carelessness. Depending upon the type of work that you do, the risks you encounter at work will vary. The following are some of the scenarios under which the most common workplace injuries occur.

Overexertion 

Overexertion can occur when a worker lifts, pushes, pulls, or carries objects at work beyond their capabilities, resulting in an injury. Overexertion is the second leading cause of workplace injuries and often results in muscle strains and sprains, tendon or ligament issues, and back, neck, and shoulder injuries.  

Slip and Fall

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 25 percent of all workplace injuries are slip and fall-related. Additionally, OSHA reports that most slip and fall accidents in the workplace could have easily been avoided. Some of the most common things that lead to slip and fall incidents in the workplace include the following:

•        Uneven pavement/floor
•        Poor lighting conditions
•        Narrow or unsafe stairs
•        Failure to shovel snow and treat icy sidewalks
•        Failure to clean up spilled liquids and solvents

In some states, you might be able to file a lawsuit in court. In other states, you might only be able to file for workers’ compensation unless your employer was grossly negligent. No matter what state you’re in, if you were injured during work due to a slip and fall, you should contact a lawyer to see what your next steps should be. An experienced attorney can help you determine your best course of action so you can recover compensation if your employer was negligent. A good lawyer will get you the justice you deserve.

Falling From Heights

Some jobs are just incredibly dangerous by nature. In any work situation where you have to climb up very high, the job can pose quite the safety risk. For example, roofers who are almost always climbing ladders and have no harness of any kind, and many other types of construction workers who must work at great heights, are at risk of serious injury.
 
Workers who fall from great heights are much more likely to suffer severe injuries or death than other kinds of common workplace injuries. Spinal, neck, and head injuries are prevalent in these cases.

Vehicle Crashes

If you spend a lot of your working time operating a vehicle, your employer or their insurance company will likely have to compensate you if you are in a vehicular accident during your shift. For example, some postal workers spend almost all of their time driving around and delivering packages and letters. Delivery drivers spend a significant amount of time in a truck or van as well. Statistically speaking, the more time you spend in a work vehicle, the more likely you are to get into an accident, so it’s important to know that you might be entitled to compensation if this happens to you.
 
If you travel a lot for your job, you also might be entitled to compensation if you get injured traveling. A lot of the compensation rules are very state and job-specific, so if you are injured in a vehicle accident in the course of your employment, you should contact an attorney right away. They can help take you through the next steps and assist you in filing a claim.

Machinery Injuries

According to OSHA, a worker is injured on the job every seven seconds. Machinery accidents make up approximately 25 percent of all workplace injuries that result in employees needing to take time off from work. Occupations where machinery accidents occur often include construction, manufacturing, and transportation. No matter how careful you are, machinery accidents happen, and they can be very serious. Despite safety checks and workers being extra careful, machines can malfunction when you least expect it. If you suffered an injury related to a machinery accident, contact a lawyer right away. Very often these types of injuries can be debilitating.

Repetitive Motion Injury

Many workplace injuries don’t happen in one instant; rather, they occur from repeating the same motions over and over for a long period of time. For example, many postal workers carry packages and mail in a bag that hangs heavily on the same shoulder each day. This can put a lot of stress on their shoulders and body. Common workplace injuries that postal workers suffer from include back issues, shoulder issues, rotator cuff tears, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Some other examples of repetitive motion injuries include tendonitis and bursitis, which are very common in construction and landscape workers.

Burns and Lacerations

Other common workplace injuries include burns and lacerations. This happens often in the restaurant industry. Chefs and other kitchen employees often cut or burn themselves accidentally while cooking or preparing food. Burns and lacerations can occur in many other occupations as well, such as construction work and among firefighters. According to OSHA, there are more than 12,000 burn injuries reported every year. The number is likely much higher than this because many minor cases go unreported.