Most Common Work-Related Injuries

Despite technological advancements and efforts to reduce the risk of occupational injuries and illnesses in construction, the industry poses significant risks to employees every year. However, workplace safety regulations have been initiated in every sector, but still, there are 2.8 million nonfatal workplace accidents and injuries in the United States’ private industry. Do you know the most common work injuries are slips, falls, trips, overexertion, and contact with equipment? Remember, most injuries are preventable, as you have to be mindful and watch your actions. You must be careful with every step and be extra cautious if exposed to such an environment. It is up to you, but sometimes, no matter how careful you have been, you might injure yourself or become a victim of it.

Some of the most common injuries you should know about are:

Trips, slips, and falls – Always watch your step, no matter the situation. Avoid walking on wet floors, icy, or oily surfaces. Your chances of slipping increase on such surfaces. That is why such surfaces are notified with signs. You may trip due to poor lighting, holes, clutter, or fall off ladders and roofs at construction sites. It may be worse if you fall on your head.

Overexertion and Muscle Strains

If you are working repetitively, lifting stuff, typing, performing microtasks on a factory line, pushing or carrying heavyweights, and more, your employer is responsible for ensuring each employee undergoes the proper training.

Struck by Workers, Equipment, or Falling Objects

Most of us have walked into sharp objects or hit a wall, but if you are working in a high-risk industry, these incidents can turn into serious injuries. Bumping into an object or wall, stepping on fallen tools or sharp objects, maybe your clothes getting caught in a wire, or more can cause injury.

Collisions or Crashes

If you are driving a vehicle or working around them, you must be careful being hit by them. Take all the safety precautions, like wearing a seatbelt. You are likely to be struck by objects falling from the vehicle or hit by drunk drivers.

Dangerous Environments

If you are exposed to an environment with harmful chemicals, you must follow all the safety regulations. If you do not wear protective gear, you are more likely to injure your eyes, ears, skin, and respiratory systems.

Fire

Fire explosions can happen if not prepared to tackle the dire situation. You are more likely to injure yourself in a fire. Hence, fire evacuation measures have been appropriately taken at workplaces.

Violence

Stress and tensions among employees can lead to confrontation or even bullying. It even escalates to intimidation depending on the situation. It should be clear to all employees that such extreme behaviors have no place at work, and the consequences of such actions can be severe.