5 of Today’s Top Workplace Injuries (& How to Avoid Them)

Injury in the workplace has always been a common (and unwelcomed) occurrence. Companies worldwide are always doing their best to keep their employees safe from harm by implementing safety procedures, or in some cases, requiring their employees to be part of a thorough safety training process.

If an employee is injured at work, it is imperative that they hire an injury lawyer, and that they ensure their well-being is being compensated by an insurance company. If you hurt yourself on the job, it is the responsibility of your employer to ensure that you get the help you need, and the payment you deserve.

However, no one wants to get hurt on the job – no matter what. That’s why we’ve put together this list of five of today’s top workplace injuries. If you know what they are, you may be able to avoid them.

1. Slipping, tripping, or falling

Even if it's not from a tall height, it isn’t difficult to become seriously injured if you slip, trip, or fall at work. Slips and falls are among the most common injuries that happen on the job, and it can result in hurt muscles, broken bones, or torn ligaments.

With 25% of all job-related injuries caused by slipping and falling, it’s important that you always wear proper footwear and safety gear, and remain aware of your surroundings at all times. Remember, if the slip was unavoidable and you injure yourself at work, you must contact an injury lawyer to ensure you are covered.

2. Overexertion or muscle strain

Remember – lift with your legs, not with your back. In addition to picking up heavy objects with caution and precision, there are lots of other ways that people regularly pull muscles or overexert themselves on the job.

Never underestimate how heavy something is, and if you need help carrying something, be sure to ask for it. If you are finding yourself in chronic pain due to loads that you are expected to carry, you should consider speaking with your doctor or with an injury lawyer – the only way to get better in these situations is typically to rest and recover.

3. Being struck by objects or machinery

No one wants something falling on their head – especially if it’s at work. Being struck by a falling object or piece of machinery can result in serious damage. Any object that has enough weight can fall or slip and strike a worker, causing spinal injury, lacerations, or brain injury.

It’s imperative to constantly check your surroundings, and ensure that everything you handle is secured or safe, to protect yourself or those around you. If there are any objects that cause you concern, it’s a good idea to talk to a site supervisor, so that it can be reviewed.

4. Explosions or collisions

As you can imagine, an explosion or collision at work is one of the most dangerous occurrences, especially since they often cause harm to more than one person at once. Unfortunately, explosions don’t stop with just harming employees – they often create a domino effect and trigger secondary explosions or fires, which can cause structural damage or smoke damage.

Although they are a common workplace incident, there are plenty of ways to help your team in avoiding such damaging accidents. Ensuring that all flammable or combustible materials are secured are just a few of the ways you can help out.

If you are employed with a job where explosions or collisions are possible, it’s important for your team to go through constant and regular safety checks and training.

5. Cuts or lacerations

A simple cut can be a pretty basic injury. However, a cut or laceration that is earned on the job can sometimes be life-threatening – and that’s why they’re taken very seriously.

If you gain a debilitating laceration at work, it’s likely that you’ll have to take time off work, involve a worker’s compensation board, and even a personal injury lawyer. That’s why keeping a clean, safe, and snag-free work area is imperative.

Other ways to keep your job site or space safe from possible cuts is to maintain sharp tools, keep your area organized, and ensure you and your team are properly trained to handle all sharp or dangerous tools in the workplace.

While there are plenty of other ways to become injured at work, these are the top five most common incidents. It’s important that you understand the seriousness of these injuries, and do everything that you can within your power to stop them from happening. This includes basic training, organization, and being aware of your surroundings at all times.