The Most Common Workplace Injuries

Understanding Workplace Injuries

According to the National Safety Council, every 7 seconds, a worker is injured on the job. While this number is alarming, knowing how injuries occur in the workplace can help employees take preventative action to stay safe. Here are the most common ways on-the-job injuries happen.

Trips, Slips, and Falls

Workplaces, where the threat of falling is present, must post warning signs for employees. Workers can become severely, sometimes fatally, hurt falling from roofs, stairways, and ladders on the job, causing broken bones, concussions, and other injuries. Trips, slips, and falls happen on the job more often than you think, causing severe head, back, or neck injuries. Here are some common scenarios that could lead to a trip, slip, or fall accident:

• Spills.
• Wet or oily surfaces.
• Weather conditions (icy walkways, steps).
• Loose rugs.
• Loose wires and cables.
• Cluttered workspaces.
• Poor lighting.

Cuts, Lacerations, or Punctures

While a cut, laceration, or puncture can happen on any job, working with machinery and other tools and equipment can cause a severe wound anywhere on the body. These types of injuries could lead to permanent scarring, cutting of tendons and muscles, or loss of limbs. The following circumstances could result in a cut, laceration, or puncture wound:

• Exposure to sharp surfaces (broken glass, metal edges).
• Passing through low overhangs.
• Using sharp tools.
• Using machinery with blades or other sharp attachments.

Contact with an Object or Equipment

No matter what line of work you are in, there is always the risk of coming into contact with an object or equipment, resulting in a severe injury. From lacerations and fractures to head injuries and brain trauma, the following accidents can cause serious harm:

• A moving object is striking a worker.
• A worker is bumping into, stepping on, or pushing into an object.
• A worker who is caught or crushed between moving or stationary objects.
• A worker trapped in a collapsing structure.
• A worker becomes entangled in the machinery due to loose hair, clothing, or caught shoelaces.
• A worker is hit with a falling object.

Repetitive Motion Injuries

Many employees perform routine tasks multiple times a day, such as typing, using power tools, or assembly of products without giving them much thought. They can lead to severe injuries such as torn muscles, damaged tissues, carpal tunnel syndrome, or other disorders. Some examples of repetitive motion injuries can include:

• Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Tennis elbow
• Shin splints
• Stress fractures
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

Injuries Resulting From Overexertion

Excessive lifting, pulling, pushing, carrying, or throwing things while working can cause serious harm to the muscles. Many worksites have limits on how much weight an employee should be moving at one time or offer protective gear such as back braces. There can be a wide range of injuries caused by overexertion, such as:

• Heat cramps (heat exhaustion)
• Joint, tendon, and connective tissues injuries
• Back injuries
• Muscle strains
• Neck injuries

When You Need a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Sustaining an on-the-job injury is undoubtedly a devastating event. If you have been hurt at work, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim. Our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers will fight the most challenging insurance companies to protect your rights so you can receive the maximum compensation that you deserve.

Contact Rosenberg & Rosenberg, P.A. at (888) 499-6206 to schedule a free consultation.