The workplace is supposed to be a safe environment where you feel secure. Sometimes, however, the workplace is not as safe a place as you might expect. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 5,147 fatal work injuries reported in 2017. That number averages to about 14 deaths per day. Millions of people were injured on the job. Work-related injuries are not just harmful to employees. According to a 2017 study published by Liberty Mutual Insurance, workplace accidents and injuries cost employers billions of dollars each year.
Top Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries can be categorized by the type of accident that caused them. Each year, Liberty Mutual Insurance publishes a Workplace Safety Index that provides details about workplace injuries. They rank the most serious workplace accidents using data from reported injuries that caused employees to be out of work for six or more days.
Falls to the Same Level: Falls to the same level simply means that someone fell or tripped while walking or standing. Falls can result in injuries such as broken bones, sprains, back and neck injuries, and head trauma, among other things.
Overexertion: Overexertion injuries happen when someone lifts too much weight or pushes something heavy or simply overdoes physical labor. These types of injuries can happen quickly or may accumulate over time. For example, a back injury can worsen when an employee continues to keep lifting over and over again.
Falls to a Different Level: Falls to a different level include such things as falling down stairs or falling off a ladder or platform. These accidents may result in broken bones and head injuries along with other injuries.
Being Struck by an Object: This type of accident occurs most often on construction sites. A falling object or a piece of moving equipment crashes into a worker, causing injuries that are often serious, particularly when they occur to the head.
Prevention of Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries can be reduced or eliminated altogether. Employers must ensure that they provide a safe workplace for employees at all times. This means that they must not only ensure safety of the premises but also must provide supervision and training for employees so they can work more safely. In addition, employers must also provide the appropriate safety gear and cannot cut corners, which can jeopardize the well-being of employees.
As a worker, it is important that you follow safety guidelines and procedures, participate in training, and do not take part in dangerous tasks. If a task is not being done according to safety standards, report it to your supervisor.
Unfortunately, accidents in the workplace happen. When you are hurt in an accident while on the job, make sure that you report the accident immediately and seek medical treatment for your injuries. Workers are generally entitled to workers’ compensation if a work injury will keep them out of work temporarily. Workers’ comp claims can be complicated. Contact our legal team at Moen Sheehan Meyer, Ltd. to discuss the details of your on-the-job injury.