Top Ten Work Related Injuries

Whether you work in one of the more dangerous jobs, or you have a more "safe" job, workplace injuries can happen. Workplace injuries can range from minor to major in any setting. Insurance companies have identified the ten most common work-related injuries across the United States. We have listed each starting from the least frequently occurring to the the most below.

10. Violence in the Workplace - CNN reported, according to Threat Assessment Group, "Between 1992-2012 there were 14,770 workplace homicide victims, or roughly 700 a year on average, according to federal government statistics." Violence between co-workers (fights, sexual assaults, etc...), robberies turned violent, and more, can cause death, injury and psychological damage.

9. Repetitive Motion Injury - The most common types of repetitive motion injury are tendinitis, bursitis and carpal tunnel. These injuries typically co-exist. Athletic jobs, manufacturing work and data entry/computer related positions, are among a few that could lead to repetitive motion injury. Such an injury could result in pain, discomfort and reduced mobility of the injured area. This can then make everyday activities difficult to do.

8. Machinery Accidents - Possibly one of the more gruesome injuries is the machinery accident. Such injuries can be caused by any number of things, to include: poor maintenance of the machine, improper use, machine malfunction, etc...These accidents frequently are catastrophic. 

7. Auto Accidents - Use of company, or your own, automobile while working is not uncommon. Therefore, the related dangers and potential injures, when operating a vehicle are not uncommon either. Some injuries include broken bones, spinal cord injury and  traumatic brain injury. Professional drivers (ex. cargo truck drivers) are particularly prone to experiencing an auto accident injury. 

6. Collision with Object - When an employee falls into, is forced by something else into, runs into, etc...an object at work, injuries may result. For example, a retail employee is stocking a shelf, when the weight of the object in a box suddenly shifts into him causing him to stumble and hit his head on the shelf behind him. The possible injuries are many.

5. Struck by Object - An object insufficiently secured, a crane machine swinging objects, co-workers acting dangerously, are some of the many ways an employee can be struck and injured by an object. This can result in injury to the limbs, the head, the eyes, etc...

4. Reflex Reaction - We've all been there,  we're about to fall and what's the first thing that happens? We throw our hands down and attempt to brace ourselves. It's a reflex. Such reactions, although not thought about and are intended to protect oneself, largely contribute to the possibility of workplace injury. Injuries to the hands, legs and others are common in these instances. 

3. Falling to a Lower Level - Falling to a lower level typically takes place in construction and maintenance related jobs. This has a great potential for being fatal or life altering. 

2. Slip & Fall - Icy walkways, wires not properly secured, damaged flooring, etc...are included in the many possibly dangerous circumstances that may cause a slip, trip or fall injury. Neck injury, broken limbs, sprains, and many others are included in the injuries sustained during this instances.

(DRUM ROLL PLEASE)....1. Overexertion - We've all gotten tired or even sore when performing a job duty. However, overexertion goes beyond that. It is caused by the overuse of a muscle or group of muscles, or when a muscle or joint is moved in a dangerous way. This injury holds the number one spot because it is the most frequently occurring work-related injury. 

Being aware of what could cause a workplace accident may help you avoid injury. Follow safety protocols, ask for direction/help if you're not sure, stay away from dangerous circumstances when possible. The best thing you can do if you suffer injury, because of a workplace accident, is call a workers' compensation lawyer. Attorney T. Morton is experienced in handling these cases and would gladly help you with yours. Call today 913.602.7288 or complete this FORM for your free consultation.