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Many common workplace injuries are preventable

On Behalf of | Mar 21, 2020 | Workplace Accidents

The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that in the United States, a worker is injured every seven seconds, which translates to 510 an hour, 12,600 per day, 88,500 per week and 4.6 million every year.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says worker deaths from falls are the second-most common type of fatality behind transportation accidents. Fall injuries, many of which are preventable, account for nearly $70 billion alone in workers’ compensation medical claims each year.

What are the common types of injuries resulting in lost workdays?

The NSC reports that 104 million workdays were lost for American companies for work-related injuries in 2017. The most common injuries keeping workers away from the job include:

  • Strains, sprains and tears
  • Soreness or pain
  • Lacerations, cuts or punctures

Top three workplace injury events and how to avoid them

NSC data shows three types of workplace injury events result in the majority of lost workdays. They include:

Overexertion: 33.54% of total injuries

  • Tip: Avoid reaching, bending and twisting when lifting objects; take frequent breaks to avoid strain

Contact with equipment and objects: 26% of total injuries

  • Tip: Store weighty objects close to the floor; watch out for moving objects and equipment in your area; wear proper protective equipment and clothing

Slips, trips and falls: 25.8% of total injuries

  • Tip: Place ladders on even, solid surfaces; implement and follow safety practices

What are the top five professions for injuries?

Many types of jobs expose workers to hazardous conditions and potential danger. The NSC reports the most dangerous occupations where people miss work due to injury are:

  1. Service workers, such as police and firefighters
  2. Transportation and shipping
  3. Manufacturing and production
  4. Installation, maintenance and repair
  5. Construction

Hold employers accountable for unsafe working conditions

While everyone must adhere to safety practices on the job, workers’ safety is ultimately the responsibility of the employer. Many fatalities or injuries occur because companies fail to take appropriate steps to remove or reduce hazards in the workplace or do not provide adequate safety training to employees.

If you are injured on the job, it’s crucial you understand the process of filing a claim with your employer. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney here in New Jersey can help you with the process and will protect your rights by helping you file a claim and represent you during an appeal if the claim is denied.

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