Top 10 Common Workplace Injuries and Ways to Prevent Them

Workplace injuries happen all the time. The most susceptible employees who experience workplace injuries are those working in more dangerous areas such as construction sites and factories. However the most common types of injuries which have greatly affected both employees and employers are those that we dont necessarily think as dangerous but are nevertheless detrimental to the health and safety of workers.

Here is a list of ten most common and disabling work related injuries according to the 2008 Workplace Safety Index:

1. Overexertion - This is the number one type of workplace injury in the past few years. The common causes of overexertion are pulling, lifting, pushing, holding, carrying, and throwing activities at work.

2. Fall on Same Level - This type of workplace injury refers to those falls without elevation or falls on same level surfaces. Examples of this are falls on wet and slippery office floors and slips on snow covered surfaces usually affecting elderly employees.

3. Fall to Lower Level - This type of fall happens from an elevated area such as roofs, ladders, and stairways.

4. Bodily Reaction ” These are injuries caused by slipping and tripping without falling.

5. Struck by an Object - Falling objects or debris from an elevated surface may seriously hit a person right below it. An example is a falling book from a shelf hitting a person’s head. This can be a very serious type of work related injury.

6. Struck against Object ” This injury is caused by running into doors, tables, chairs, walls, and other concrete objects.

7. Highway Incident - This injury refers to automobile accidents that may happen to an employee who is on an official business trip.

8. Caught in/ compressed by - Handling large and sharp machinery is terribly dangerous especially without proper knowledge and precautions used. Workers may also be exposed to extreme temperature which can also cause this type of injury.

9. Repetitive Motion ” A good example is typing on a computer in regular offices. Due to prolonged repetitive motion, muscles and tendons are susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome, back injuries, and vision problems.

10. Assaults and violent acts - This may not be a frequent occurrence but is nonetheless causing injuries among employees who engage in physical attack against each other.

Since workplace injuries will surely affect the employee’s physical and mental health, it is clearly stated by the law that they are entitled to receive proper compensation for the damages. Workplace injuries can cause a major disability that is ultimately detrimental to the employee’s work and personal life. So in the event that the company fails to address this concern, the worker may sue the company for the damages and medical expenses.

There are a lot of ways that employers and employees can do in order to prevent work related injuries. First is a careful planning of the office or work area from the location of the equipment, tables and chairs, and also warning signs for other dangerous equipment. Using engineering control systems, work materials can minimize awkward positions, strenuous handling, and repetitive motion problems. Manuals on the proper use of work tools should be regularly updated and enforced to the employees. It is also best if the management can include fitness and exercise programs to avoid overexertion. Finally, employees should realize that being extra careful will definitely go a long way. Preventing work injuries will always be a two way street for both employers and employees.