What Are Some Of The Most Common Workplace Injuries?

There are many different kinds of jobs, but no matter what kind of work people have, there’s always the chance of injury. Workplace injuries happen much more often than people realize. There’s nearly an accident every minute, with millions of accidents happening across the country every year.

Every job has its own unique struggles. And, while each injury is unique, many of them fit into a few categories. Here are the most common workplace injuries:

Slip And Falls

People slip and fall at home all the time, so it’s only likely people will have the same issues in uncontrollable environments such as work. A slip and fall accident can lead to serious head and spine trauma. Some injuries may only cause minor bruising, cuts and soreness, but others can lead to broken bones, concussions or puncture wounds, for example.

For example, some jobs require people to work outside where the ground isn’t as solid. Or they may work on step ladders or stairs that become treacherous in the rain or snow. While it may seem safer inside, people who work indoors may have to work around spilled drinks, loose mats or fallen objects.

Exposure To Burns

Many jobs require employees to work with fire or around hot surfaces. For instance, cooks have to work with open flames on stoves and steelworkers have to work with hot metal. One wrong move and these workers could suffer from serious injuries.

People can also experience thermal, radiation, electrical, ice and chemical burns. There are three levels of severity for these types of burns:

• First-degree: These are surface-level burns that may cause the skin to redden and dry out, often healing without scarring.
• Second-degree: These burns may cause blistering and swelling, sometimes leaving behind scars.
• Third-degree: These burns destroy the outer layer of skin, damaging muscle and bone, causing nerve damage and long-term disability.

Equipment Misuse Injures

Learning to properly use equipment in a safe and orderly fashion is often part of a job. However, some injuries are caused by the misuse of equipment. In the wrong hands, for example, a forklift could severely hurt an employee, causing injuries seen in motor vehicle accidents or fatal puncture wounds.

If you’re injured at work, you shouldn’t delay seeking compensation for your injuries. Knowing your legal options could help you when seeking workers’ compensation benefits.