We see a lot of work injuries here at Michael J. Doyle, Attorney At Law. Though most work accidents happen suddenly and at no fault of our clients, being aware of potential job-related risks can help you avoid becoming a victim yourself. Regardless of where you work, whether in an office or at a construction site, risks are present—therefore, understanding the leading causes of work injuries is vital to your safety. Our workers’ compensation team shares the top three leading causes of work-related injuries and how to avoid them.
Overexertion & Bodily Reaction
The most common category of work injury is responsible for nearly a third of all on-the-job injuries in the U.S. every year. Overexertion and bodily reaction injuries describe those which are caused by excessive physical efforts, such as lifting, and repetitive motions, such as typing at a keyboard all day every day. The industries most at risk for these injuries are transportation and warehousing, although just about anyone can be affected, including construction workers, office employees, and nurses. Back injuries are the most common type of injury in this category, but ailments such as strains, sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome, and bursitis are common as well. To avoid these injuries, make sure your workspace is ergonomic and safe and that you take regular breaks.
Slips, Trips & Falls
Coming in second place with approximately 27% of annual injuries are slips, trips, and falls. Unlike a fall from a height, these accidents typically occur on walking surfaces that are at roughly the same level.
Common causes of slip and fall accidents include:
- Cables or other obstructions in walkways
- Broken stairs
- Standing water or other liquids on the floor
- Uneven walking surfaces
Slip and fall accidents often result in nothing more than bruises or a muscle strain; however, they can have serious consequences, especially for workers over 55. Even young workers can be afflicted with broken bones, internal damage, and traumatic brain injury (TBI) if the fall is serious enough. Always tread carefully when walking and ensure walkways are clean and well lit to avoid slip and falls.
Being Struck by an Object
Being hit by or against an object is the third most common cause of work injuries and one of the leading causes of severe injury and death in industries like construction, agriculture, transportation, and warehousing.
Such accidents can be caused by coming into contact with objects and equipment in scenarios such as:
- A moving object, such as a truck, striking a worker
- A worker striking against equipment or another object, including bumping into, stepping on, kicking, or being pushed into something
- A worker’s body part being compressed, squeezed, or crushed in heavy equipment or between objects
- A worker being caught or crushed in a collapsed structure
- A worker being injured due to vibrations from a machine, such as a jackhammer
Make sure to follow all safety regulations at your workplace to avoid such accidents. If you’re a supervisor, train all employees thoroughly on how to use equipment such as heavy machinery properly. If you’re an employee and you feel as if your workplace is unsafe or you have suffered a work injury, consult with a lawyer right away to learn about your legal options.
Contact our Albuquerque office today for a free consultation.