Top 7 Causes of Work-Related Injuries
Workplace injuries are quite common and can happen for a variety of reasons. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that in 2022, the private industry reported over two million nonfatal work-related injuries and illnesses. Knowing the most common causes of workplace injuries can help prevent them. In this article, we discuss the top seven causes of work-related injuries.
#1: Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slip, trip, and fall accidents in the workplace can occur for various reasons. The following are some of the factors that contribute to slips, trips, and falls in the workplace;
- Wet surfaces
- Uneven surfaces
- Cluttered walkways
- Inadequate lighting
- Improper footwear
- Inadequate training
- Distractions
The following are some of the things that can be done to prevent slips, trips, and falls in the workplace;
- Providing adequate lighting
- Conducting regular maintenance
- Ensuring proper signage for hazards
- Wearing proper shoes at all times
- Keeping walkways clear
#2: Overexertion
Overexertion injuries occur when the body is pushed beyond its physical limits. Often, overexertion injuries result from excessive repetitive physical tasks such as pushing, lifting, pulling, carrying, holding, or throwing. Some common overexertion injuries include sprains, strains, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and back injuries.
#3: Machinery Accidents
Machinery accidents in the workplace can occur for various reasons, including the following;
- Lack of training
- Improper use of machinery or equipment
- Malfunctioning equipment
- Inadequate maintenance
#4: Struck-By Accidents
Being struck by falling tools, materials, or moving machinery parts is another common cause of work-related injuries. Workers in construction sites, warehouses, retail stores, electricians, carpenters, and plumbers are just a few of the workers at the greatest risk of being struck by objects while at work.
#5: Struck Against Objects
These accidents happen when a worker runs into an object. For example, an employee could walk into a door or an open drawer.
#6: Motor Vehicle Accidents and Other Forms of Transportation Accidents
People whose job requires them to be on the road constantly are at a high risk of being involved in motor vehicle and other transportation accidents. Also, vehicle accidents can occur in the workplace in various settings, such as construction sites and warehouses where trucks and forklifts are used to transport materials, equipment, or tools.
#7: Poor Ergonomics
Poor ergonomics refers to workplace conditions that don’t support the physical well-being of employees. Awkward postures, inadequate workstation setup, repetitive movements, excessive force, and poor lighting are all examples of conditions that constitute poor ergonomics. Over time, poor ergonomics can have detrimental effects on a person’s health.
Workers’ Compensation Protects Employees
Fortunately, if an employee suffers a work-related injury, workers’ compensation is there to protect them. Workers’ compensation is meant to provide workers who sustain work-related injuries with medical care and financial support regardless of fault. This means an injured worker can recover workers’ compensation benefits even if they did something that contributed to their injury. Workers’ compensation provides injured employees coverage for medical expenses, wage replacement, vocational rehabilitation, and disability benefits. In Vermont, all employers are required to carry workers’ compensation.
Legal Help Is Available
After suffering a work-related injury, our Vermont workers’ compensation attorneys at Sluka Law PLC can help you with your workers’ compensation claim.
Source:
bls.gov/news.release/pdf/osh.pdf
