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What are the most common types of workplace injuries?

On Behalf of | Jul 14, 2017 | Workplace Injuries |

Working is a natural part of life for most residents of Ohio. While it is often necessary to work for financial gain, some employees in Ohio work in industries that put them at a higher risk of workplace injuries. Whether it is construction work, working in a factory, working in a mine or dealing with hazardous materials, employees are likely aware of the risks they are faced with. Nonetheless, some employees are injured due to negligence or unsafe conditions in the workplace. Thus, it is important to understand what injuries a worker could suffer and what could be the cause of them.

What are the most common types of workplace injuries? Based on recent statistics, workplace injuries related to material handling account for roughly one-third of all workers’ compensation claims. Strains and sprains are deemed the most common type of work-related injury after examining more than 1.5 million workers’ comp claims filed from 2010 to 2014.

Based on an assessment of these claims, the top five most common causes of workplace accidents were determined. This includes materials handling, slips, trips and falls, being struck by or colliding with an object, being harmed in an incident involving tools and cumulative trauma. When assessing what the top five common injuries resulting from the claims filed during this timeframe, it was found that strains and sprains top the list. This is followed by cuts or punctures, contusions, inflammation and fractures.

Three important findings were discovered during this study. First, it was found that materials handling incidents caused 37 percent of injuries occurring in manufacturing and retail. Next, it was discovered that eye injuries were one of the most common types of injuries in manufacturing and construction accidents. Finally, it was found that small business experienced the highest percentage of incidents involving tools.

If you have been injured in a workplace accident, it is important to have the incident well-documented following medical treatment. Proper documentation can help with a workers’ compensation claim, which could result in benefits that could address medical bills, lost wages and other related damages.

Source: Safetyandhealthmagazone.com, “Analysis of workers’ comp claims identifies top injury causes, types,” May 23, 2016