Every year, common work injuries prevent employees from clocking their normal hours. The U.S. Bureau of Labor reports that there are over a million work-related injuries or illnesses each year. That’s nearly one injury for every hundred full-time workers.

Common work injuries are most often due to overexertion or a slip and fall. These accidents are usually fairly mild, but the corresponding injuries can keep workers out of the workplace for days, weeks, or months. This has a negative impact on businesses, their employees, and their employees’ livelihoods.

For businesses, it is important to understand common work injuries because it is the employer’s responsibility to provide a safe workplace. In situations where the employer has failed to take necessary precautions or uphold OSHA workplace safety guidelines, workers may have legal grounds to sue for higher damages.

1. Slip, Trip, and Fall

One of the most common causes of workplace injuries is a slip or a trip that results in a fall. The collapse can be caused due to a slippery floor or random items being left out on the floor. It’s important for spills and messes to be promptly cleaned up to minimize the risk of a slip, trip, and fall.

2. Muscle Strains

The overexertion of muscles or improper form in lifting can cause muscle strains. Although they can affect many different muscle regions, these strains often show up in the back and neck specifically. If employees are required to lift heavy items throughout their work day, basic training on lifting techniques will help avoid possible muscle strains or other injuries from overexertion.

3. Hit by Falling Objects

Objects that fall or fly in a workplace can be a hazard. While most injuries may be minor, a falling object can cause serious injuries such as concussions or blindness. Therefore, workplaces with the possibility of falling objects should require workers to wear hard hats and other types of protective gear.

4. Repetitive Motion Injury

This underestimated injury is quite common in many different industries. A repetitive motion injury occurs when an action is repeated so often that it causes strain. A common example of this is carpal tunnel syndrome, affecting the wrists, hands, arms, and shoulders. The condition usually influences the upper body such as the forearm, elbow, wrist, shoulders, hands, and neck. This common workplace injury can be avoided with employee training and the use of ergonomic equipment.

5. Vehicle Collisions and Crashes

Vehicle collisions are a frequent cause of work-related injuries. Whether it’s a car or a forklift, these crashes can be dramatically life-altering. Employees who regularly drive vehicles should receive special training or given guidelines for how to take extra precautions. Some easy safety precautions include using seatbelts and being sure that the vehicle meets safety standards. Vehicle accidents have a much higher chance of fatality alongside certain injury, so make sure vehicle operators diligently follow safety standards.

6. Lacerations and Cuts

Common workplace injuries include cuts and lacerations received from work tools such as paper trimmers, power saws, and similar equipment. The kinds of injuries experienced vary based on the industry and types of tools used. To lessen the risk of cuts, employers should provide appropriate training, safety procedures, and the right protective gear.

7. Toxic Fumes Inhalation

Inhaling toxic fumes can cause illness, both at the time of the injury and in the future. Hazardous substances can be carried in dust, fumes, mists, and gases. Common problems from inhaling toxic fumes include trouble breathing, skin issues, or eye reactions. To avoid exposure, employers should outfit employees with goggles and masks.

8. Loud Noise Exposure

Hearing damage caused by loud noises at work can be permanent and disabling. While the loss can either be gradual loss or sudden, this injury can be quite detrimental to the employee’s life. Simple safety measures include ear protection.

9. Walking Into

Injuries resulting from walking into a door, table, cabinet, or another concrete object can be painful. But in some cases, this absent-minded accident can mean a more severe injury to the head, knee, neck, or foot. Keeping the pathways and walkways clear of unnecessary hazards can help protect employees from injuries.

10. Machine Entanglement

Industries that use heavy equipment or machinery are more likely to deal with machine entanglement. Around certain types of equipment, any loose clothing or hair might snag and get caught. If the machine doesn’t automatically turn off, the employee may suffer very severe injuries or death. Providing the right training and clothing can help prevent machine entanglement.

11. Work Fights

When a mild disagreement becomes a fist fight or another type of attack, employees are in danger of serious injury. Workplace violence is not appropriate, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. This type of worker violence can result in physical injuries and emotional trauma.

These common workplace injuries are an unfortunate part of an employee’s job. However, it’s vital that every employee understands that their employer is responsible for providing a safe workplace. 

When one of these common workplace injuries occur, you may have legal options. Reach out to us at carrillolawoffice@gmail.com today to see what legal solution may be available to you.