Most Common Workplace Injuries And Ways To Minimize Them

Workplace injuries happen all the time. The most susceptible employees who experience workplace injuries are those working in more dangerous areas such as construction sites and factories. However the most common types of injuries which have greatly affected both employees and employers are those that we don't necessarily think as dangerous but are nevertheless detrimental to the health and safety of workers.

Here are some of the most common and disabling workplace injuries according to the 2008 Workplace Safety Index:

1. Overexertion " This includes injuries related to pulling, lifting, pushing, holding, carrying, and throwing activities at work. Overexertion has consistently been a number one workplace injury among the surveys and statistics.

2. Fall on Same Level Surfaces " This pertains to falls on wet and slippery office floors. Other related examples are falls and slips especially by elderly people on snow covered pathways on their way to work.

3. Fall to Lower Level - This type of fall happens from an elevated area such as roofs, ladders, and stairways.

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

5. Struck by Object " Objects that fall from shelves or dropped by another person. These can cause very serious injuries.

6. Struck against an Object - This happens when a person accidentally runs into concrete objects such as walls, doors, cabinets, glass windows, table, chairs etc.

7. Highway Incident - 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 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 one of those less obvious but definitely harmful ones 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 - Attacks caused by office politics and other arguments have led to serious physical injuries.

Since workplace injuries will surely affect the employee's physical and mental health, it is clearly stated by the law that they are entitled to receive proper compensation for the damages. Workplace injuries can cause a major disability that is ultimately detrimental to the employee's work and personal life. So in the event that the company fails to address this concern, the worker may sue the company for the damages and medical expenses.

There are a lot of ways that employers and employees can do in order to prevent work related injuries. First is a careful planning of the office or work area from the location of the equipment, tables and chairs, and also warning signs for other dangerous equipment. Using engineering control systems, work materials can minimize awkward positions, strenuous handling, and repetitive motion problems. Manuals on the proper use of work tools should be regularly updated and enforced to the employees. It is also best if the management can include fitness and exercise programs to avoid overexertion. Finally, employees should realize that being extra careful will definitely go a long way. Preventing work injuries will always be a two way street for both employers and employees.

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