Workplaces are often full of productivity, but they also hold potential dangers and risks that may lead to work-related injuries. With U.S. employers reporting over 5,000 fatal and 2.8 million nonfatal work-related injuries and illnesses in 2022 alone, awareness around these hazards is more critical than ever.
From slips in an office hallway to life-altering accidents involving heavy industrial machinery, work-related injuries vary significantly in their nature and severity. Understanding the common causes of these injuries is crucial for both employees and employers to create safer work environments.
Understanding Work-Related Injuries
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines a work-related injury as any injury or illness that an employee contracts or suffers from while performing their job duties in the work environment with some exceptions. These may range from minor traumas like cuts or sprains to severe incidents like heavy machinery crashes or chronic illnesses like occupational lung disease.
Four Common Causes of Work-Related Injuries
Most work-related injuries stem from a variety of factors, including unsafe work conditions, inadequate training or human error. By identifying and addressing these common causes, employers can create a safer environment and protect their employees from harm.
Overexertion & Bodily Reaction
One of the most common causes of work-related injury is known as “overexertion and bodily reaction.” These types of injuries are considered “non-impact injuries” and typically occur when employees engage in activities that exceed their physical limits, such as lifting heavy objects, pulling, pushing, carrying, throwing, performing repetitive motions or even just working in awkward positions.
The strain on muscles, tendons, and ligaments can lead to injuries like muscle strains, back injuries, and repetitive stress conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Poor posture, inadequate breaks, and improper lifting techniques can further exacerbate these risks.
Contact With Objects & Equipment
Machinery accidents, often classified as “contact with objects and equipment,” are another common cause of work-related injuries across various industries. These accidents generally occur when a falling or moving object strikes, pinches or crushes an employee, but they may also involve an employee hitting, bumping into or stepping on an object or piece of equipment.
Such incidents can be the result of unsecured loads, improperly stored tools, mechanical failures, inadequate maintenance or poor visibility in the workplace. Additionally, the absence of personal protective equipment (PPE) like hard hats and safety goggles can increase the severity of these injuries.
Slips, Trips & Falls
Accidents involving slips, trips, and falls also rank among the most common work-related injury causes. These incidents can include both short falls or impacts and more severe falls from greater heights, including scaffolding, ladders, roofs or collapsing structures. However, these accidents do not always end in a fall, and injuries may be the result of an employee catching themselves after slipping or tripping.
These incidents often result from hazards like wet or uneven floors, obstructions in walkways, poor lighting, and inadequate footwear. The resulting injuries often range from minor bruises to severe injuries such as fractures, sprains, or even head trauma.
Exposure To Harmful Substances Or Environments
In major industries like manufacturing, construction and healthcare, another common cause of work-related injuries and illnesses is exposure to harmful substances or environments. Employees may encounter hazardous chemicals, toxic fumes, extreme temperatures, air or water pressure changes, radiation or loud noises—all of which can lead to serious health issues.
Depending on the length and severity of the exposure, these incidents can lead to respiratory issues, chemical burns, hearing loss and other debilitating conditions. A lack, or poor enforcement, of safety protocols, including personal protective equipment (PPE), proper ventilation and noise control often increases the risks of these harmful substances and environments.
Preventing Work-Related Injuries
Most workplace accidents are caused by negligence, sometimes defined as “a lack of attention or awareness.” Some ways these mishaps can be prevented are listed below.
Proper Training
Comprehensive and routine training is essential for reducing the risk of work-related injuries, especially when employees are required to operate heavy machinery, handle hazardous materials or perform complex tasks. By investing in comprehensive training programs, employers can equip their workforce with the necessary skills and awareness to perform their duties safely. Regular refresher courses, hands-on training sessions, and clear documentation of safety guidelines can reinforce good practices and ensure that employees stay up-to-date with the latest safety standards.
Maintenance of Equipment
Regular inspections, timely repairs and replacements of broken or malfunctioning equipment, and thorough documentation of maintenance activities can significantly reduce machinery accidents, equipment failures and unexpected shutdowns. By implementing a proactive maintenance schedule, employers can ensure that all equipment operates safely and efficiently.
Safety Procedures
Adhering to safety procedures is essential, especially when dealing with heavy machinery and harmful substances. The appropriate protective gear, including but not limited to masks, helmets, gloves, and boots, should be made available and worn at all times. Proper signage warning employees of high-risk areas should be clearly visible, as well. Safety protocols should also include mandatory employee breaks to avoid exhaustion and overexertion.
Working with an Attorney on Your Work-Related Injury Case
When work-related injuries occur, navigating the legal landscape can be challenging. A work-related injury attorney can help injured employees understand their rights, provide legal advice, negotiate with employers and insurance companies, pursue compensation, and represent injured workers in court if necessary.
These types of injuries can dramatically impact an individual’s life, health, and financial stability. Awareness of the common causes and prevention measures is the first step towards creating a safer work environment. If you have suffered a work-related injury, an attorney can guide you on the legal steps required to safeguard your rights.
Have you suffered a work-related injury? Contact Talbot, Carmouche & Marcello today for a free consultation.