Many of the most common workplace injuries can be prevented. Get to know seven different common workplace injuries in this article.
Blog
June 12, 2024
Workplace injuries can occur in businesses of all sizes. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) reported an estimated 2.6 million nonfatal workplace accidents in private companies throughout 2021. It’s important to be aware of some common work injuries so you can help prevent them. Employees should enjoy a safe workspace so they can continue to help your business succeed.
7 Common Workplace Injuries
Overexertion and Bodily Reaction
Overexertion happens when an employee pushes themselves too hard physically. A bodily (physical) reaction can occur from repetitive motions that cause muscle microtears or an employee needing to hold the same position for a prolonged period. Bodily reactions can cause permanent injury. It helps to give employees the support and safety they need to lift heavy boxes, operate machinery, or perform other physical tasks.
Falls, Slips, and Trips
Slip-and-fall accidents can happen on any slick or wet surface. If the workplace does not maintain a safe environment, including a proper dry floor, employees may be at risk for slipping, falling, and injuring themselves. This can also occur during wintertime in cold weather areas prone to snow and ice if parking lots are not properly salted. Keeping up with seasonal maintenance outdoors, providing safety mats that give traction and doormats to absorb water, and putting up wet floor signs when mopping can all help to avoid slip-and-fall accidents.
Contact with Objects and Equipment
A distracted employee can unwittingly make contact with objects like desks, chairs, counters, or dangerous heavy equipment, resulting in injury. Accidents happen, but it is important to continually remind employees about work safety and being aware in the workplace. Storing objects in closets or warehouses securely can help prevent them from falling on an employee.
Repetitive Use Injuries
Repetitive use injuries, also known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), are a common concern across various industries. Essentially, any activity performed consistently throughout the workday, over multiple days a week, without adequate rest, can set the stage for the development of a repetitive use injury. To help mitigate the risk of such injuries, a proactive approach is imperative. Implementing structured strategies within your workplace can make a substantial difference.
Transportation Incidents
Car accidents may happen when employees are driving to meetings or business trips in company cars. Help reduce transportation incidents by ensuring your employees are fit to drive, that the company vehicle is in safe condition, and that the weather is safe for driving. Read more about focusing on fleet safety.
Violence and Injuries Caused by Persons or Animals
Workplace violence can occur for many reasons. Looking after employees’ mental health in the workplace should be a consideration. Also, if your workplace is in an environment with wild or domestic animals, know that they can be unpredictable. Taking extra precautions for all that are involved can make a difference.
Exposure to Harmful Substances or Environments
Some businesses require employees to work with toxic substances, such as industries in pest control, tree trimming, or house cleaning. Giving your employees the proper protection they need to complete their jobs safely can help minimize accidents like spillage.
A clean work environment, proper training, and implementation of safety measures can help keep your workplace safe.
What Do Different Types of Accidents in the Workplace Cost Businesses?
The National Safety Council (NSC) estimated both fatal and nonfatal injuries cost employers $167 billion in 2022. That’s approximately $1,040 per worker. The list above exemplifies some common types of workplace injuries but is not exhaustive.
How Workers’ Compensation Insurance Can Help
Workers’ compensation insurance can be an important part of your business’s risk management plans. Not only is workers’ compensation insurance required to be maintained by businesses in nearly all states (with some exceptions), it can help cover an employee’s medical expenses and lost wages if a work-related injury or illness keeps them out of work. Employees who receive workers’ compensation benefits typically cannot sue an employer for injury or illness suffered on the job resulting from the employer’s negligence. Considering workplace safety is one way to help reduce workers' compensation claims.
The Bottom Line
One main goal for business of all sizes should be to help protect employees against injury or illness, to the extent possible. The workplace should feel and be safe for employees. A clean work environment, proper training, and implementation of safety measures can help keep your workplace safe.
Acrisure understands the risks faced by businesses with regard to workplace injuries. Contact us today to learn more or request a workers’ compensation insurance quote online.
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