5 common causes of workplace injuries

 Posted on January 29, 2018 in Blog

A workplace injury may happen at any job. You do not need to have a physically demanding occupation to suffer an injury at work. No matter how conscientious and attentive you are about being safe and healthy at work, it is possible for you to sustain an injury. 

An accident may occur at work when you least expect it. But what are the most common causes of injuries at the workplace? Here are a few causes that could put you at risk.

1. Overexertion

According to Insurance Journal, overexertion is the leading cause of workplace injuries. Strenuous tasks that cause overexertion injuries include the following:

• Lifting
• Carrying
• Pulling
• Pushing
• Throwing

These injuries are more likely to happen if you do not get an adequate break from demanding work or if you do not get assistance with heavy objects. 

2. Falls

Falling on the same level is the second most common reason for people sustaining injuries at work. Employees may slip, trip and fall to a surface on the same level due to poorly lit areas, objects left sitting around or a liquid spill.

3. Struck by object

The next common cause of workplace injuries is when objects unexpectedly strike workers. This may occur due to equipment falling from a higher level, a stack of boxes toppling over or getting hit by an item thrown by someone else. 

4. Motor vehicle accidents

Some jobs require the use of motor vehicles. From a forklift hitting a warehouse worker to a delivery person getting in a car accident, this type of injury is all too common.

5. Repetitive motion

Many tasks at various workplaces require workers to repeat motions over and over. When a worker performs a repetitive task for too long, it may result in musculoskeletal complications, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

The injuries that result from these causes may result in time off of work, hospitalization and even death.