5 Biggest Causes of Workplace Injuries

A lot of people assume that workplace injuries only occur in a warehouse environment. However, workplace injuries are possible regardless of what your industry is. All sorts of injuries can occur that can negatively affect both the employee and employer. 

5 Biggest Causes of Workplace Injuries
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It's in everyone's best interest to stay safe on the job whenever possible. The best way to do that is to identify the most common reasons for workplace injuries so you can avoid them. Here are some of the most common reasons why people get hurt on the job and what you can do to avoid them.  

Trips and Falls 

Regardless of your work environment, trips and slips are some of the most common ways that people get hurt while working.  In fact, they account for one out of three workplace injuries. Unfortunately, trips and falls are especially dangerous because they can lead to serious injury and potentially even death. Because a serious fall could lead to a broken neck or other bones, it's especially important to avoid them. That means cleaning up any obstructions in the path or things that employees could trip on. 

Machinery Injuries 

In work environments that involve dangerous machinery, it's not uncommon for body parts to get hurt. Heavy machines can easily strike people in its vicinity if they are not properly guarded. The best way to prevent this kind of injury is to make sure that only trained employees are operating dangerous machinery. Proper training is critical, and employees working around the machinery should be aware of the risks. 

Vehicle Injuries 

Vehicles of all kinds are incredibly dangerous and have a high potential for injury. From getting run over by a vehicle to something falling from a vehicle, it's not uncommon for people to get hurt in this way. Much like machinery injuries, vehicles should only be operated by trained employees who are capable of following safety standards. Things like speed limit and proper operation are critical for keeping everyone safe. 

Burns 

Burns are in the top five reasons for people getting hurt on the job. Usually, they occur from explosions, fire from malfunctions or combustible materials. If your workplace has anything like that could pose a risk, then it's important that you follow all safety standards to help everyone stay safe. Hazardous materials need to be handled carefully to avoid serious injury. Protective equipment is also a necessary part of ensuring no one gets burned. 

Repetitive Stress Injuries 

If you thought that only people with physical labor jobs could get hurt, then think again. Even people who work behind a desk are susceptible to repetitive stress injuries from things like typing all day. It's important that you educate yourself on the proper ways to position your body when working in the same position for long periods of time.