Manual labor industries such as those in manufacturing, transportation and warehousing have some of the most physically demanding jobs. Working in a construction site, factory floor or loading dock gets exhausting and risky fast. Some workers even get into accidents and face injuries that affect their livelihoods and, in turn, their families.
Every job site should keep their employees safe from hazards, however, not all workplaces meet this standard. Here are the five most common workplace injuries according to recent data.
Exposure to harmful substances or environments
This category has become the leading cause of work injuries requiring days away from work. Infectious diseases are some of the most common hazards in this group, but this category mostly includes exposure to:
- Electricity
- Radiation
- Noise
- Temperature extremes
- Oxygen deficiency situations
Workers in health care, manufacturing and agriculture face the highest risks from these harmful elements. They typically miss about 13 days of work when injured in this manner. To protect frontline workers against these hazards, employers must provide proper safety equipment and training. Regular safety drills help too.
Overexertion and bodily reaction
These injuries occur when workers push their bodies beyond what they can handle. This happens most often when lifting heavy objects or doing the same motion over and over without the proper form. Warehouse and delivery workers are most commonly injured this way, usually missing two weeks of work. Back injuries are the most common and most debilitating, especially among those between 45 and 64 years old.
Even small repeated movements can be injurious. Using proper lifting techniques, mechanical aids when available and taking scheduled breaks can reduce these injuries.
Falls, slips and trips
One in five workplace injuries comes from falls. These range from simple trips on flat ground to dangerous falls from heights that can be life-threatening. These accidents happen on:
- Wet floors
- Uneven surfaces
- Climbing ladders and scaffolding
After these falls, workers typically miss two weeks of work. Most suffer sprains, strains and tears. Truck drivers, warehouse workers and farm hands report these injuries most often, with older workers being injured more frequently. Good housekeeping, proper work boots and clear walkways can help prevent many of these accidents.
Contact with objects and equipment
This injury category previously ranked third before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, contact injuries still account for 20 percent of cases requiring time away from work. This includes getting hit by falling tools, bumping into heavy equipment or having body parts caught or stuck in machinery.
Factory and construction workers face the biggest dangers from heavy equipment and falling materials. They can suffer anything from small bruises to serious crushing injuries. Using machine guards, staying alert on the job site and keeping work areas organized helps avoid these accidents.
Violence and other injuries by persons or animals
About 4 percent of work injuries are due to violence from customers, patients or coworkers. While less common, these incidents can be very serious. This category covers attacks by other people, animal-related injuries (including bites, stings and other animal encounters) and other violent events on the job.
Customer-facing workers like nurses, store clerks and anyone working alone or handling cash face the biggest risks. Good security measures and training on how to handle tough situations help keep workers safe. Every job should have clear steps for reporting threats and supporting workers who may be at risk of violent attacks.
Workers’ compensation can help you
If you’re an injured worker, you can seek compensation from the workers’ compensation system in your state. Workers’ compensation can help cover costs that support your recovery. This includes your medical bills and a portion of your lost wages while you take time to heal. Essentially, it provides medical and financial help after an accident at work.
