Common Causes of Occupational Injuries

by Ronel Forbes

November 11, 2021

Personal Accident Insurance

Knowing the most frequent workplace injuries and how to avoid them can help your company reduce workplace accidents and improve employee safety.

Small businesses and their employees can be hit hard by workplace injuries. According to the Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index, serious, non-fatal workplace injuries now account for approximately $60 billion in workers’ compensation claims in the United States.

Overexertion, followed by falls, is the greatest cause of job injuries, according to Liberty Mutual. Knowing the most common workplace injuries and how to avoid them can make a big difference in your employees’ safety and the longevity of your company.

Causes of accidents

Overexertion

Lifting, pushing, tugging, holding, carrying, or throwing objects can cause overexertion. According to the Workplace Safety Index, these injuries cost employers $13.7 billion in 2018, accounting for 23.5 percent of the overall national burden.

To avoid accidents caused by overexertion, make sure your personnel have ergonomic equipment and are appropriately trained on how to do physical jobs safely.

Falls to a lower level

Falling from a great height, such as a ladder or a roof, to a lower level can result in serious injury or death. While they are not as common as same-level falls, they account for 10% of all injuries, costing $5.9 billion in total.

Provide the appropriate equipment and fall protective gear to your employees to help them avoid these mishaps.

Falls on the same level

Falls on the same level can happen anywhere and to anyone at work, which is why they’re so common. People can trip or slip due to loose wiring, moist floors, or even an open file cabinet drawer. Workers’ compensation costs in the United States totaled $11.2 billion in 2018, accounting for 19.2 percent of the total.

Other physical exertions or reactions

When a person is engaged in a strenuous effort or excessive physical motion, bodily reactions and exertions rate fifth on the Workplace Safety Index. Repetitive acts are frequently the reason, and they can occur in almost any type of profession.

In 2018, these injuries cost firms $4.2 billion, accounting for 7.2 percent of total injury costs.

Struck by object or equipment

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, being struck by a falling object or piece of equipment is one of the main causes of death in the construction business, and comparable incidents occur in other industries as well. Workers’ compensation costs for workers hurt by flying equipment or machinery totaled $5.3 billion in 2018, accounting for little over 9% of the total.

Slip or trip without fall

When there is a lack of traction between a person’s shoe and the walking surface, slips and trips occur. They can also happen if the surface is uneven or if the flooring or steps change unexpectedly.

Businesses incurred a $2.3 billion loss as a result of these events, accounting for 3.9 percent of the total injury burden.

The importance of proper housekeeping in preventing employee injuries cannot be overstated. Make certain that the floors are clean and that any slippery surfaces are clearly marked. Maintain a well-lit, clutter-free environment, and ensure that your employees are wearing the correct footwear at all times.

Microtasks with repetitive motions

Repetitive motion injuries are widespread in industries where employees must repeat the same tasks throughout the day. These conditions are more likely to occur in those who type frequently or work in manufacturing.

Workers’ compensation costs in the United States total $1.5 billion, or 2.6 percent of total costs. Make sure your personnel have a suitable ergonomic setup and are properly instructed on how often to take breaks to avoid wear and tear to avoid repetitive injuries.

Insurance protects employees and businesses

Every firm is vulnerable to the common injuries outlined above because accidents can happen at any job. Workers’ compensation, also known as CGL insurance, is required to cover your employees and your company in the event of an accident.

Employees who are injured on the job are covered under workers’ compensation for the following General Liability Insurance covers:

Medical attention is required (surgeries, medications, doctor visits, etc.)
Wage replacement (about two-thirds of their wages while they are on temporary disability)
Occupational retraining
Death benefits (funeral expenses and support payments to dependents)

A comprehensive general liability policy can protect your company and its assets from claims of bodily injury and property damage. This coverage reacts to third-party accusations of negligence and is intended to pay the legal costs connected with such claims.

Even if your company wins its lawsuit, legal fees can be expensive, which is why every company should obtain a comprehensive general liability policy.

If a third person is injured as a result of a slip and fall at your workplace, you may face a claim alleging that your company and the services it supplied were responsible for the property, physical, or other losses sustained. In such scenarios, a solid commercial general liability coverage will be able to assist your organization in mitigating damages, legal or otherwise.

Workers’ compensation is mandated by law

Workers’ compensation isn’t simply a good business decision; it’s also a legal requirement as an employer. In most states, all employers are required to carry insurance, and failing to do so can result in significant fines and even jail time.

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