The Most Common Workplace Injuries

When thinking of workplace injuries, it’s easy to picture accidents occurring in warehouses or with heavy machinery. While those industries certainly see their share of incidents, injuries occur across all sectors - from office environments to retail spaces.

In fact, according to the National Safety Council, a worker is injured on the job every seven  seconds in the United States, adding up to 4.6 million injuries each year. No matter where or how they happen, workers’ compensation claims follow. For employers, understanding the most common types of injuries can help create a safer work environment, keep employees healthy, and avoid costly claims.

Let’s explore some of the most frequent workers' compensation injuries and what businesses can do to prevent them.

1) Overexertion Injuries

Overexertion is one of the most common injuries in physically demanding jobs such as construction, manufacturing, or healthcare, where workers frequently lift patients or heavy objects. When employees push, pull, lift, or throw something too heavy, they risk back injuries, strains, and sprains that can result in prolonged recovery times.

Prevention tips:

• Provide comprehensive training: Train employees on proper lifting techniques. This includes bending at the knees, keeping the back straight, and lifting with the legs rather than the back. Proper form can prevent a significant number of injuries.
• Utilize assistive tools: Equip workspaces with dollies, forklifts, or hoists to reduce the need for manual lifting. Ensure that employees are trained to use these tools effectively.
• Implement a buddy system: Encourage workers to team up when lifting particularly heavy or awkward objects. Sharing the load can significantly reduce strain and the chance of injury.
• Promote stretching and physical readiness: Incorporate stretching exercises before shifts to help warm up muscles and reduce the likelihood of overexertion injuries.

2) Slip, Trip, and Fall Accidents

Slips, trips, and falls rank among the leading causes of workplace injuries. These incidents can occur in an instant, whether due to a wet floor in a grocery store or simply stepping wrong on uneven pavement outside a retail entrance. The consequences can be severe, sometimes resulting in fractures, sprains, or even more critical injuries that may impact an employee’s ability to work and carry out daily activities.

Prevention tips:

• Regular inspections: Ensure that the workplace is regularly inspected for potential hazards like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or loose cables. A thorough walk-through each day can help prevent accidents.
• Implement a clean-as-you-go policy: Encourage employees to clean up spills immediately and ensure that janitorial services are frequent and thorough. Any area prone to water or slippery substances should have anti-slip mats or grip tape.
• Proper signage: Use bright, clear signage to warn employees of any potential hazards like wet floors or areas under maintenance. Signs should be placed well in advance of the hazard to provide adequate warning.
• Safety footwear: Require employees to wear slip-resistant shoes, particularly in environments prone to spills, like kitchens, warehouses, or manufacturing plants. Proper footwear can dramatically reduce slips and falls.
• Lighting and visibility: Ensure that all work areas are well-lit. Dimly lit spaces can lead to missed hazards or uneven flooring, increasing the risk of accidents.

In industries such as construction or manufacturing, workers are at risk of being struck by moving objects or inadvertently colliding with equipment. For example, a construction worker might be hit by a falling tool, or a manufacturing employee might bump into a steel beam. These incidents can lead to injuries that vary widely in severity, from minor bruises to more serious conditions, including head trauma.

Prevention tips:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide employees with the appropriate PPE, such as hard hats, safety goggles, and gloves, depending on their work environment. Make sure that the gear is well-fitted and in good condition.
• Secure shelving and storage areas: Ensure that heavy items are stored securely on shelves, with heavier objects placed closer to the floor. Regularly inspect shelving units to make sure they are stable and well-anchored.
• Use warning systems: Install warning signs or barriers around areas where falling objects are more likely. For example, in areas with overhead work, use caution tape and warning cones.
• Routine maintenance and inspections: Regularly check that all equipment, shelves, and machinery are functioning correctly and secured. Malfunctioning equipment or improperly stored materials can lead to accidents.
• Training on safe movement: Encourage employees to be aware of their surroundings and avoid running or rushing through workspaces. A “look before you move” mentality can prevent many avoidable accidents.

4) Repetitive Motion Injuries

Repetitive motion injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis, often develop gradually over time due to the consistent performance of repetitive tasks. Activities like typing on a keyboard, using a mouse, or working on an assembly line can place excessive strain on specific muscles and tendons, leading to discomfort and pain. Over time, these injuries can result in long-term damage, impacting not only job performance but also daily activities. By fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes ergonomic practices and encourages employees to report discomfort early, employers can help mitigate the risk of repetitive motion injuries.

Prevention tips:

• Ergonomic assessments: Conduct regular ergonomic assessments of workstations to ensure that they are set up to reduce strain. For example, computer screens should be at eye level, and chairs should support the lower back.
• Provide ergonomic tools: Equip employees with tools like adjustable chairs, ergonomic keyboards and standing desks to alleviate the strain caused by repetitive tasks. This is especially important for work-from-home employees who may not have access to proper ergonomic setups. By ensuring that remote workers have the right equipment, employers can help reduce the risk of developing repetitive motion injuries.
• Encourage regular breaks: Implement a policy that encourages workers to take short breaks to stretch or rest every 30 minutes to an hour. Even just a few minutes of stretching or walking around can prevent long-term issues.
• Cross-train employees: Cross-train workers to perform various tasks to avoid prolonged repetition of the same motion. This not only reduces the risk of repetitive strain injuries but also increases overall productivity.

5) Vehicle-Related Accidents

Employees who spend time on the road—such as delivery drivers, truckers, or salespeople—face the risk of vehicle accidents. Whether due to poor road conditions, vehicle malfunctions, or distracted driving (like talking on the phone or texting), these accidents often result in serious injuries.

Prevention tips:

• Driver safety training: Regularly conduct driver safety courses that emphasize defensive driving, the dangers of distracted driving, and proper vehicle handling in adverse weather conditions.
• Vehicle maintenance: Ensure that all company vehicles undergo regular maintenance and safety inspections. Well-maintained vehicles are less likely to experience mechanical failures that can lead to accidents.
• Implement driving policies: Enforce clear driving policies, such as no phone use while driving and strict adherence to speed limits. Install GPS systems that monitor driving behavior and provide feedback to encourage safer driving habits.
• Rest breaks for long trips: For employees who drive long distances, ensure that they take regular rest breaks to avoid fatigue, which is a leading cause of vehicle-related accidents.
• Ensure proper vehicle load management: For delivery and logistics companies, ensure that vehicle loads are properly balanced and secured to prevent accidents caused by shifting cargo.

Conclusion: Preventing Injuries = Protecting Your Business

Ensuring employee safety is not just about minimizing claims—it’s about protecting your business and creating a positive workplace environment. By understanding the most common workplace injuries and implementing preventative measures, businesses can reduce the risk of incidents and maintain a healthier, happier workforce.

When accidents do happen, having the right support is crucial. Alloy Employment Services is here to help businesses navigate the complexities of workers’ compensation, from compliance to managing claims. With our support, companies can create safer workplaces and reduce the burden of workplace injuries. Contact us today!