Thousands of workers are killed on-the-job and millions more suffer serious injuries every year in the United States. The good news is, most of these accidents are easily preventable. It is the employer’s responsibility to make sure that the working environment is safe at all times. However, it is equally important that workers receive adequate safety training before starting work and continuous training throughout employment.
Five Most Common Work-Related Injuries
Work accidents can result in everything from mild sprains and strains to catastrophic injuries and even death. Some industries are more dangerous than others, however, office jobs account for the vast majority of repetitive motion injuries, which typically worsen over time and can be just as debilitating as sudden injuries. Five of the most common workplace injuries are:
- Overexertion: Lifting, pulling and pushing, throwing, carrying, and holding all contribute to the number one work-related injury, overexertion. In addition to being the most common workplace injury, overexertion is also the most expensive, accounting for more than $3.4 million in benefit costs every year.
- Slip and fall accidents: The second most common work-related injuries are due to slip and fall accidents. These can occur in any type of work environment, but are especially common in restaurants and food service jobs. Wet floors and floors slick with grease and other substances are often the culprit. Tripping over debris in cluttered walkways can also result in serious injuries.
- Falls from high places: Most common in construction jobs, falls from ladders and roofs can be extremely dangerous. These injuries often result in serious injury or death. You can reduce your risk of serious injury from a high-level fall through consistent training, employee diligence, and by using personal protection gear at all times.
- Repetitive motion: Seemingly harmless tasks such as typing and talking on the phone can wreak havoc over time. Repetitive motions may cause back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, vision problems, and various other strains in the muscles and tendons. These types of injuries can be reduced by maintaining proper posture and through the use of ergonomic equipment.
- Being struck by an object: When objects fall from high places or a worker is struck by a piece of heavy machinery, injuries can be serious or fatal. The use of hard hats, employee diligence, and properly maintained work environments can dramatically reduce the risk of these injuries.
The Hope Law Firm – Des Moines’ Premier Personal Injury Firm
If you have been injured on-the-job, we can help. Our dedicated personal injury team has extensive experience with workplace injuries. Following a work injury, you may be overwhelmed with medical bills and concerned about lost wages. The Hope Law Firm will work with you to ensure that the process is as smooth and efficient as possible. Our goal is to get you the compensation you deserve so that you can get on with your life. Don’t go through this alone. Contact us today for a free consultation about your case.