10 Most Common Workplace Injuries

10 Most Common Workplace Injuries (2008 Workplace Safety Index)

1. Overexertion –Caused by rigorous activities at work such as pulling, lifting, pushing, holding, carrying, and throwing.

2. Fall on Same Level Surfaces – Wet/Slippery Floors, Lack of Good Housekeeping, Snow on Sidewalks Outside

3. Fall to Lower Level – Falling from an elevated surface such as roofs, ladders, walls, and stairways.

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

5. Struck By Object – This type of injury happens when objects fall or dropped by someone from a height. An example is a falling hammer in a construction site that may hit another person below it. This can be a very serious type of workplace injury.

6. Struck Against Object – This type of workplace injury refers to running into concrete objects such as walls, doors, tables, cabinets, chairs, glass windows, etc.

7. Highway Incidents – Transportation used for business purposes such as trucks and cars may be involved in an automobile accident just like any regular traveler.

8. Caught In/Compressed By – This type of injury usually occurs in a factory where large and dangerous machinery is used. Sometimes little or no precaution in its usage and may endanger the safety of its operators. Exposure to extreme temperature is also an example of this workplace injury.

9. Repetitive Motion – This type of workplace injury is less obvious but definitely harmful in the long run. Repetitive motions such as typing and using the computer 24/7 can strain muscles and tendons causing back pain, vision problems, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

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.

Ways To Prevent Workplace Injuries and Accidents

1. Plan Ahead

-Plan location of equipment and furniture

-Warning signs for dangerous equipment

-Engineering control systems (can minimize awkward positions, strenuous handling and repetitive motion problems)

-Manuals for proper usage of work tools, updated regularly and enforced to employees

-Fitness and exercise programs to avoid overexertion

-Employees should be extra careful in daily activities

-Keep employees properly trained with safety training, including refresher courses

Quality, comprehensive safety training found here!