Workplace injuries can happen to virtually anyone, at any time, and in any type of work environment.
Workplace fatalities are rare averaging less than 15 annually. These deaths are typically in industries already thought to be inherently dangerous, such as heavy machine work, mining or construction. However, non-lethal workplace injuries are far more prevalent, and cost employers tens of billions of dollars every year. Here is a brief rundown of the some of the more common injuries, as well as how they can impact an organization’s bottom line.
An accident in a warehouse. Woman running towards her colleague lying on the floor next to a forklift.
Most Frequently Occurring Workplace Injuries
There may be dual liability for a workplace injury. Although the employer has the legal responsibility of keeping the workplace safe for their workers, employees do bear some responsibility. For instance, if the employer requires a hardhat and safety glasses for everyone in a certain job function and the employee fails to wear the proper gear, their injury may be deemed at least partially their own fault. If a driver for a company has a few drinks at lunch and then gets in an accident, the employer will typically not be found liable. That being said, here is the list of the most commonly reported injuries, as of 2018.
Repetitive Motion Injuries: Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most commonly recognized injuries associated with sitting at a desk and computer all day, but employees may also suffer from neck and back pain and vision problems due to eye strain. While most people associate repetitive motion with a desk job, it can happen in any job function which requires (as the name suggests) highly repetitive motions or movements, such as on an assembly line.
Slip and Falls: Employees may slip, trip, or fall at work due to slippery surfaces or objects blocking a clear walkway. The fall may be as a result of a permanent condition (i.e. floors are always wet) or a tangential accident such as a recent spill of materials. Many people think that if they don’t actually fall, there is no injury – however, some employees may suffer pulled or strained muscles resulting from the reaction to the slip.
Vehicle Related Injuries: An accident while commuting to or from your job is typically not considered among workplace injuries. However, truck drivers, delivery personnel, bus drivers, mail carriers, or salespeople may rightfully consider an accident while driving a workplace injury.
Overexertion: The most commonly reported injuries related to the workplace are due to overexertion. These injuries can occur due to carrying, lifting, pushing or pulling in the course of one’s job. Because they are the most frequent, they are also the most expensive type of injury for employers.
What Does Workplace Injury Cost Employers?
The true cost of workplace incidents is upwards of $60 Billion dollars in the United States annually.
As of the latest data in 2017, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that the median days missed from work are 13 when an injury occurs. The direct costs associated with this number are easy to calculate, and include workman’s compensation claims, medical bills and similar type costs. The most difficult number to ascertain is indirect costs – the employer must investigate the incident, may have to shut down the location or production floor short term, may lose productivity with a missing employee, will need to hire and train replacement workers – these costs are those few people think about.
If you have been injured at the workplace, you are most likely covered by your company’s worker’s compensation insurance. However, if you feel the settlement offer is unfair, or if your employer is threatening to fire or demote you – call the experienced team of attorneys at Probinsky & Cole. An injury is upsetting enough, but losing your ability to provide for your family should not be the result.
