The 3 Most Common Causes of Workplace Injuries
Every workplace comes with its own hazards and dangers, but no one ever really expects an accident to actually occur. Your employees are your biggest asset, and the last thing you want is for them to get hurt on the job. In order to keep your employees (and your business) safe, it’s important to understand what the most common causes of workplaces injuries are, and how to prevent them.
1. Overexertion
Overexertion involving outside sources is the leading cause of workplace injuries in the United States. These are injuries that usually occur when an employee is lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, or carrying equipment/object related to their duties.
Subsequent cost to U.S. companies: $13.1 billion
How to prevent this injury: Proper lifting/movement training is critical, require use of safety equipment, encourage the buddy system in moving objects that require effort, and give them breaks throughout the day to recoup.
2. Slips, Trips, and Falls
The second leading cause of workplace injuries is caused by someone falling on the same floor level. This includes things such as slipping on a wet floor, tripping over a piece of equipment, or being distracted while walking i.e. phone call, personal electronic devices.
Subsequent cost to U.S. companies: $10.4 billion
How to prevent this injury: Put out wet floor signs, clean floors when work area is vacant, make sure the work floor is clean and clutter-free, educate on dangers personal distraction when walking.
3. Struck by object/equipment
Some of the most painful injuries that can occur are those caused by being struck by an object or equipment, including objects from above. This includes objects that are dropped or by low overhead areas where space is limited.
Subsequent cost to U.S. companies: $5.2 billion
How to prevent this injury: Keep a clean work floor, use machinery that uses backup and operational signals, frequently inspect all equipment, and ensure employees wear proper safety equipment at all times.
Having a safe workplace protects not only your employees but also your business. Workers’ compensation is one of the coverages for employers that can impact your entire organization. Need help navigating the world of workers’ comp and safety programs? We’d love to help! Contact us here to get started.