Workplace injuries are common. While some are unavoidable due to the nature of work, some arise due to the employer’s negligence. These injuries often lead to an employee losing employment, wages, or, in some cases, their life.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 5,190 fatal work injuries were recorded in the United States in 2021, and the number is continuously growing with each passing year.
So, to prepare for any such uncertainties, we have listed six of the most common workplace injuries and what you can do if you find yourself in a similar unfortunate incident.
Overexertion
The most common type of injury among employees is overexertion-related injuries. These injuries often lead to people losing work and a decreased quality of life. It is often caused by pushing, lifting, pulling, or holding an object. If your job requires you to do any of the aforementioned, you must be very careful, considering how common these injuries are.
Fire & Explosions
Although these types of injuries are not very common, there is always a high chance of fire and explosions, especially when the nature of your work is situated around gas pipelines, highly flammable objects, and explosives. Also, these types of injuries hold the highest rate of casualties.
Trips, Falls, & Slips
Tripping, falling, and slipping accidents are workplace injuries’ first and most common causes. The reason behind these types of injuries are spills, wet surfaces, and poor lighting. The damages caused by these accidents are cuts, broken bones, and head, back, and neck injuries.
Vehicle Accidents
If traveling or operating vehicles is part of your job, then vehicle-related accidents are something you need to know. Road or warehouse accidents can occur for numerous reasons, from improperly maintained trucks to car crashes; vehicular accidents can result in serious injuries or loss of life.
Machinery Related Accidents
Machinery-related accidents can be considered the textbook definition of workplace injury. They are common among employees who operate heavy machinery. The leading cause is often getting struck or caught by moving machinery.
These types of accidents can result in severe injuries, including amputations, fractures, or even fatalities. It’s important to understand the difference between OSHA recordable vs reportable incidents to ensure accurate documentation and compliance with safety regulations. If you’re not sure, it’s always best to consult with a safety professional.
Struck By An Object/Equipment
Apart from machinery, other objects and equipment at the workplace can result in a workplace injury. These accidents often occur due to an employer’s mistake, negligence, or failure to set up proper work safety protocols.
Repetitive Motions
These types of injuries occur over a lengthy period of time. The symptoms of injuries become more and more severe as time passes by. They are caused by doing something similar repeatedly, causing muscle strain.
What To Do After A Workplace Accident
Due to unfortunate incidents, if you find yourself in any of the above situations, you have a valid reason to file a workers’ compensation claim. Workplace injuries act as a valid reason for a lawsuit against the employer. With the right workplace injury lawyer at your disposal, you can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of employment, wages, and more.
These injuries are often the result of negligence or mistake of the employer. The right attorney will help you file a claim that is valid and has the potential to seek compensation from your employer. If you or a family member has suffered serious injuries from a workplace accident, filing a worker’s compensation lawsuit is your next step.
Final Words
A workplace injury is an unfortunate situation to be in, and it is worse when your employer denies responsibility for the same. Going for a workplace injury lawsuit is the best way forward when finding yourself in a similar situation. It will cover your medical expenses and loss of wages incurred during your time in the hospital or the recovery process.
