In the United States, there are over 2.8 million work accidents every year. This results in billions of dollars of lost revenue due to injuries sustained by workers. The good news is that there are steps you can take to prevent injury at work.
In this article, we’ll discuss the top five most common workplace injuries and how you can avoid them. We’ll also take a look at what to do if you’re injured on the job.
Start perfecting your safety protocols with this guide and keep your employees safe on the job.
1. Slip and Fall Injuries
They can occur when there is a wet or icy surface, a loose floor mat, or an uneven surface. They can also occur when a person trips on an object that is in their path. Slip and fall injuries can be minor, such as a bruise or scrape, or more serious, such as a broken bone or head injury.
Symptoms of a slip and fall injury may include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
2. Vehicle Accidents
The most common type of workplace vehicle accident is a car accident, followed by a truck accident. Driver errors, such as speeding, distractions, and fatigue are the common causes of vehicle accidents.
You can address these factors through training and education. This also includes implementing policies and procedures that encourage safe driving. If you’ve been involved in a vehicle accident you can seek personal injury attorneys for help.
3. Muscle Strains
Muscle strains can occur when a muscle is forcefully stretched or torn. Strains can happen when lifting heavy objects, working on a repetitive task, or during a slip-and-fall accident.
Symptoms of muscle strain include muscle pain, weakness, cramping, and swelling. First aid for a muscle strain includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation. More severe strains may require medical treatment.
4. Fire and Explosion
Some of these injuries include burns, smoke inhalation, and traumatic injuries. Burns are the most common type of injury that occurs in these instances and can range from first-degree (superficial) to third-degree (full thickness).
Smoke inhalation is also a common injury, and can often be more serious than burns. Traumatic injuries can occur if a person is caught in the middle of an explosion or if they’re hit by flying debris. These injuries can be very serious and often require extensive medical treatment.
5. Struck by Objects
This can happen when something falls off a shelf or a machine, or when someone accidentally hits you with a tool or piece of equipment. Being hit in the head by a falling object can cause serious head injuries, including concussions, skull fractures, and even death.
Even if the object doesn’t hit your head, it can still cause broken bones, cuts, and bruises. If you’re struck by an object at work, make sure you report it to your supervisor and seek medical attention if necessary.
Be Aware of These Workplace Injuries
Most workplace injuries are accidental and can be prevented with proper safety precautions. Employers should provide their employees with the necessary safety training and equipment to help prevent these injuries. If you have been injured at work, be sure to report it to your employer and seek medical attention.
If you’d like to read more articles on workplace injury or other industry topics, be sure to visit our blog often.
