Most Common Workplace Injuries and How to Prevent Them

Each year millions of nonfatal workplace injuries occur in America.  In fact, in 2016 alone, there were 2.9 million reported injuries and illnesses according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

And, while it seems obvious that being injured on the job is a bad thing, the truth is, there are several negative effects that workplace injuries can have on individuals and businesses alike:

  • Lost productivity if injured workers have to take time off
  • An increase in workman’s compensation payouts and rates
  • Job dissatisfaction, especially if injuries are common
  • Higher turnover rates if job safety not taken seriously
  • Degradation of employer-employee relationships

As you can see, there is much to deal with when it comes to workplace injuries – besides the injury itself.

And since getting hurt is easier than you think, it is more important than ever to stay safe on the job.

That said, let’s look at some of the most common injuries that occur in the workplace and how complying with federally required OSHA training can help prevent some from ever happening in the first place.

#1. Repetitive Motions

You may not even be aware that the repetitive motions you do on a daily basis at your work are harmful.  That is, until enough time has passed by that an injury reveals itself and you are now seriously injured.

Typing on the computer all day is one of the most common instances of a repetitive motion injury.  This motion can cause muscle pain throughout the body, vision issues, and even carpel tunnel syndrome.

2. Vehicle Accidents

If you work for a business that requires you to use a company vehicle, there is always a chance you can get hurt while on the roads.  It is important to follow all driving rules and regulations and even consider taking a driving safety course to help prevent on the job car accidents.

#3. Falling Objects

Objects falling from high places such as shelves can cause employees severe injuries, one the most serious being a head injury.

It is crucial employers focus on keeping workspaces safe, less they want to find themselves with an injured employee.  In addition, wearing safety equipment such as hard hats can drastically reduce the severity of injury if it were to happen.

#4. Fall Accidents

39.9% of all construction workplace injuries are a result of employees falling.  Falling from roofs, ladders, stairways, and other elevated areas are completely preventable, though they happen all the time.

In fact, if your employees were up to date on their OSHA safety training, they would know and understand the risks of slip and fall accidents and be able to prevent them while on the job using the proper safety gear and safety skills.

#5. Overextension Accidents

One of the most common workplace accidents that affect employees while on the job, regardless of the industry, are overextension accidents.

Not knowing how to properly push, pull, carry, throw, or lift items has a tendency to cause injuries to the back and surrounding areas.  In fact, this is one of the most expensive workplace injuries because the rehabilitation required to recover from such an injury is so intense.

In the end, there are many hazards that present themselves to employees on a daily basis.

However, most of them are preventable with a little bit of common safety knowledge, as well as intense, educational safety training, such as OSHA safety training.

If your workplace does this, everyone on the job will know how to prevent accidents from happening and remain safe from all workplace injuries.