7 Common Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents occur daily. Injuries ranging from broken limbs to back pain can happen in any industry or occupation. Every year, these hazards render millions of people unable to perform their jobs, whether temporarily or permanently. Workplace accidents can cause not only bodily pain but also unnecessary stress and financial difficulty for both workers and employers. In this article, we’ll be discussing seven common workplace accidents in the United States.
How Common Are Work-Related Injuries?
Workplace accidents are all too common. To illustrate, here are some statistics regarding workplace accidents:
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employers in the private sector documented2.7 million non-fatal occupational injuries and illnesses in 2020.
- The Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII) revealed that therate of incidents per 100 full-time equivalent workers is 2.7.
- According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and BLS, about15 employees die each day in the United States from severe injuries, with another 200 being hospitalized.
- According to a recent survey by FindLaw,a fifth of American adults say that they have been injured while on the job.
What Are the Most Common Workplace Accidents?
Here are the leading work-related accidents in the United States:
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Overexertion and Bodily Reaction
Overexertion is responsible for31% of all workplace injuries, according to the NSC. One event, repeated movements, or an extended period spent in a particular position can lead to overexertion. As a result, almost every industry’s workforce is at risk of overexertion and adverse bodily reactions.
Workers who lift, push, drag, carry, or haul for extended periods may experience these kinds of injuries. On the other hand, office employees are more likely to suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive stress injuries, two of the most prevalent overexertion injuries.
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Trips, Slips, and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls are a leading cause of workers’ compensation claims, accounting for 27.5% of all workplace injuries.Slips and falls can be caused by various conditions in the workplace, such as wet floors or slippery surfaces, debris and wires strewn about, unstable or uneven walking surfaces, and insufficient lighting. Several serious injuries can result from a fall, including fractured bones, head trauma, spinal cord damage, and soft tissue injuries such as torn ligaments.
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Contact With Objects and Equipment
This is the third most common type of workplace injury, accounting for 25.8% of all work-related accidents. Accidents can occur to anyone who works with heavy machinery, but they are more likely in factories, farms, and construction. Unguarded machinery is a safety risk. When body parts become entangled in or impacted by exposed moving components or flying objects from machinery without protective shields, the outcomes are sometimes fatal. Crushed limbs, severed digits, and blindness are just a few of the horrific injuries caused by equipment. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that heavy machinery is involved in75% of all “struck-by” fatalities.
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Transportation Accidents
Vehicle accidents cause only 5.6% of all non-fatal work-related injuries. On the other hand, they accounted for more deaths among workers in 2019 than the three most common workplace accidents put together.
Accidents can happen anywhere there are any vehicles involved. Being hit by a car, falling out of a moving vehicle, being hit by flying debris, and being crushed or trapped by an overturned vehicle are all examples of these accidents.
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Violence and Injuries Caused by Persons or Animals
According to BLS data, injuries caused by people or animals account for 5% of all work-related injuries. Some jobs include frequent contact with the public, which increases the risk of being involved in a violent altercation. Workplace disputes can lead to violence. Workers who interact with the public, such as delivery drivers, may be subjected to verbal or physical abuse from customers, as well as dog attacks.
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Exposure to Harmful Substances and Environments
In 2019, 4.2% of non-fatal workplace injuries were attributed to exposure to hazardous substances or conditions. There is a higher incidence of harmful substance injuries in manufacturing facilities, where various chemicals are used. When corrosive liquids come into touch with the skin, they can cause severe burns and deformity. Breathing in hazardous gases can cause life-threatening respiratory problems in the long run.
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Electrical Accidents
An electrical accident might cause severe damage. Even low-voltage exposure can result in catastrophic injuries with long-term implications. Electrical mishaps can cause everything from burns and deformity to nerve injury, spasms, limb loss, and mortality if the voltage stops the heart from beating.
Electrical mishaps in the workplace are commonly caused by malfunctioning power equipment or not recognizing an electrocution hazard like defective insulation or exposed power lines. Workers who operate electrical equipment without proper safety gear are also at a greater risk of injury.
Involved in a Workplace Accident? Be Aware of Your Legal Rights
Understanding your legal options is critical if you’ve been injured on the job. Depending on the circumstances, you might be entitled to financial compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. To get the remuneration you deserve, you’ll need the help of an experienced Orlando workers’ compensation lawyer.
If you have been involved in a workplace accident, we can help you. Contact us today.
