Workplace accidents can result in a variety of injuries, some of which are more common than others. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at six of the most common workplace injuries and how they can be prevented.

By understanding the risks involved in your job and taking precautions to avoid accidents, you can help keep yourself safe on the job.

1. Broken bones from slips and trips

Slips and trips are another common workplace hazard that can lead to broken bones or other serious injuries. To help reduce your chances of falling, it is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times and take extra care when navigating wet or slippery surfaces. So often, when someone has slipped at work, it could have been avoided if appropriate safety measures had been taken.

You should always make sure that any potential tripping hazards, such as cords or debris, are cleared away from walkways. Finally, protect yourself against slips and trips by wearing appropriate footwear.

2. Back injuries from lifting heavy objects

Back injuries due to lifting heavy objects are a common problem for many people, especially in manual labor, construction, and warehousing jobs. 

One of the most important factors that can reduce the risk of back injury is proper body mechanics. This involves bending at the knees when picking up an object and keeping it close to the body. It also means avoiding twisting motions that could strain the back muscles or damage spinal discs. 

In addition to good form, building up core strength through stretching and exercise can also help protect from possible injury. 

Education is key in preventing these types of injuries, as well as using appropriate protective gear such as gloves, knee pads, and footwear with superior support. Heavy lifting should be done with care to reduce the risk of serious injury—after all, your spine is too valuable an asset to further risk!

3. Neck injuries from falls

According to the National Safety Council, falls are the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims. And of those claims, a significant number are for neck injuries. A fall can cause a serious neck injury, such as a herniated disc or nerve damage, resulting in pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility. In severe cases, surgery may be required. Even a minor fall can lead to whiplash, which can cause chronic pain and disability. 

That’s why it’s so important to take precautions to prevent falls in the workplace. Common sense measures like keeping floor surfaces clean and dry, using proper lighting, and wearing shoes with good traction can go a long way toward preventing workplace falls and the neck injuries that can result from them.

Falls are one of the principal causes of neck injuries—injuries that can range from minor soreness to serious trauma.

4. Head injuries from being hit by falling objects

Head injuries caused by falling objects can range from minor inconveniences to life-threatening emergencies. One of the biggest causes of such accidents is improper storage and display; for example, failing to secure bookcases or racking can cause items to be dislodged when they are knocked into.

More commonly, however, head injuries from falling objects are caused by not paying attention in areas with potential hazards, such as construction sites, parking garages, warehouses, etc.

Injuries like concussions can even result from seemingly minor objects hitting the head if they’re traveling fast enough. Too often, these incidents are due to negligence or carelessness, yet they serve as important reminders that being observant and mindful of falling items is key to staying safe.

When entering any areas with elevated goods which may drop down unexpectedly, it’s prudent to always wear a protective helmet and use caution when below. Ultimately preventing injuries starts with being aware of the risks before they occur. 

5. Sprains and strains from repetitive tasks at work

Sprains and strains can be caused by many factors, but one of the most common sources of such injuries is overworking muscles or joints through repetitive motions. These types of injuries are particularly common in office settings where workers spend long hours sitting at their desks doing the same task day after day without breaks.

To prevent sprains and strains due to repetitive tasks, it is important to make sure that you are regularly taking breaks and changing up your posture throughout the day. 

Additionally, if possible, adjust your workstation to reduce any strain on your body from being in one position for too long. If a certain activity is causing you pain or discomfort, take time away from that task to rest and recover before continuing. 

Finally, make sure to keep your work area clean and organized to eliminate any potential hazards that could lead to an injury.

6. Carpal tunnel syndrome from using vibrating tools at work

For those of us who use vibrating tools at work, carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful and potentially disabling condition that can dramatically impact our daily lives. 

Vibrations from the tool can set off a chain reaction in our hands and arms, leading to chronic pain, swelling, stiffness, and tingling in the wrists and fingers. Unfortunately, this is a very common problem for laborers who use vibrating tools on a regular basis. If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can worsen over time, causing permanent damage to the nerves and muscles in the hands and wrists. 

Thankfully, there are ways to reduce the risk of developing the condition. Wearing wrist braces and regularly taking breaks from using vibrating tools can help alleviate symptoms and prevent long-term damage to your arms and hands. 

For those dealing with severe carpal tunnel syndrome, physical therapy or surgery may also be an option.  With proper prevention measures in place, we can ensure safer working conditions for ourselves while reducing our risk of developing debilitating carpal tunnel symptoms down the line.

If you are involved in an accident at work

Make sure to document the incident, report it to your supervisor, and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Should you find yourself in a situation where you need to claim compensation for your injuries, then having documentary evidence of what happened will be critical in achieving a successful outcome.

Our Summary

There are a number of ways that workplace accidents can lead to serious injuries but taking the necessary precautions before they occur is key to avoiding injuries.

Always be aware of your surroundings, wear protective gear when needed, and practice safety protocols in areas with elevated goods or slippery surfaces. 

Additionally, take regular breaks while doing repetitive tasks and adjust your workspace to reduce strain on your body from being in one position for too long. 

Don’t forget to inform your management team if you spot potential hazards or if workplace safety rules are not being followed.