7 Workplace Injuries That Occur Most Frequently
I’m Ed Smith, a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Sacramento . Workers should be aware of some of the most common injuries that may occur during the course of their job. Some of the most common workplace injuries appear below.
Injury from Overexertion
An overexertion related injury could be something as basic as working excessively to the point of extreme physical exhaustion and fatigue. But overexertion injuries more commonly relate to a particular body part becoming highly stressed and eventually suffering damage.
Typical actions at the workplace such as lifting, pushing, pulling, throwing, or carrying may result in an overexertion injury over time. Hands, shoulders, wrists, elbows, knees, and back are commonly affected by this injury. Muscular strains, ligament tears, and joint dislocations could often occur as an overexertion injury.
Injury from a Fall
Injuries occurring due to a fall do not necessarily mean that the victim fell from a height. In fact, such an event is less common, while more often a fall may simply occur on the ground surface itself. Tripping and falling or slipping and falling are a major cause of workplace injuries, and they can occur very easily without even the slightest of warning.
Something as seemingly harmless electrical cord lying on the floor, or a minor spill that has yet to be cleaned could potentially bring a worker down. Injuries from falls typically include lacerations, fractured bones, and even severe trauma and concussions. Even death!
Injury from Falling from a Height
If a worker falls from a height, it will almost certainly result in an injury. Stools, ladders, boxes, roofs, staircases, and other devices may potentially cause these injuries. The best possible way to prevent these injuries is to take extra care while working on anything that keeps you above the ground. It could be just two feet or fifty feet, but care is vital in each case. Wherever required, the worker should use appropriate safety gear.
Injury from Reaction
It is not uncommon to trip and fall down. The problem is, the pain may not surface until later. In many cases, muscle pulls, torn ligaments, body trauma, or other injuries may occur because of a sudden or instinctive reaction of the body to avoid an injury. For the moment, an individual may feel he or she has managed to avoid an injury due to quick instincts, but more often than not, it may slowly reveal another injury.
Injury from Entanglement with Machinery
Workers who operate close to heavy or moving equipment and machinery at the workplace are at a higher risk of injury occurring from entanglement. Fingers, hair, shoes, clothes, and other things on the worker’s body may get caught around moving parts of a machine, particularly when precautions are not taken. Sometimes a worker may suffer a severed limb.
Protective gear such as special clothing, helmet, gloves, and hair nets may help avoid these injuries. Above all, the workers must be fully trained to operate or work around such heavy equipment and made aware of the risks involved so that they can exercise caution.
Injury from Repetitive Motion
This type of injury occurs silently over an extended period of time. Repetitive performance of even a simple task could result in major wear and tear of the tissue, joints, and muscles. Carpal tunnel injury is a common occurrence among employees who regularly work with computers. Spinal injuries and vision issues may also occur due to jobs involving repetitive motion.
Injury from Falling Object
Any item that has been placed above the ground can potentially fall and land on a worker, resulting in a workers’ compensation injury. Such injuries may occur more commonly in stores and construction sites. The right way to minimize the risk is to secure any object that is placed at a dangerous height and use protective gear while working in such an area.
Related Articles by Sacramento Workers’ Compensation Attorney, Ed Smith:
- Benefits in Case of Permanent Disability
- Benefits in Case of a Temporary Disability
- Time Limit for Filing California Workers’ Compensation Case
- Employer Responsibilities Under The Law
- Returning to the Workplace After Injury
Sacramento Workers’ Compensation Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Sacramento. If you or a loved one has been injured on the job and need the assistance of an experienced lawyer, I can help. Call me today at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for compassionate, free and friendly advice at no obligation. I can also be reached online anytime at AutoAccident.com.
I have been working to help injured people and their families recover since 1982. You can read some of my previous client’s reviews on: Avvo, Google, and Yelp.
I have the pleasure of membership with the Million Dollar Forum. This group recognizes trial lawyers with the distinction of having won million dollar cases. You are welcome to look at some of the Settlements and Verdicts I have earned for my clients.
