Top 10 Common Workplace Accidents

To establish a thriving business and create great work, employees’ health and well-being are the most important factors. However, accidents can happen in any workplace since it is almost impossible to predict when something will go wrong. Employees can suffer both physical and emotional damage from workplace injuries, and employers will have to take responsibility. This does not sound like fun for either party. But the good news is that a lot of these common workplace accidents can be avoided by taking preventative measures and establishing worksite safety policies.

By investing in high-quality tools and equipment, you can make each employee’s job easier, and allow them to perform their jobs without sacrificing their well-being. In turn, this can reduce the direct and indirect costs of workplace accidents. Also, by crafting a thorough company safety guide, you can hold both your employees and yourself accountable. After all, employees are a company’s most valuable asset and should be treated with care and respect.

Each year, thousands of workers in the United States suffer fatal injuries while on the job. Though businesses in every field are susceptible to workplace accidents, certain industries are especially prone to work-related injuries due to the riskier nature of the job. For example, those in construction and extraction, protective services, and maintenance and repair are more likely to experience workplace accidents.

 

Here are 10 of the most common work-related injuries to prevent on your job site:

1. Overexertion and Bodily Reaction
2. Slips, Falls, and Trips
3. Exhaustion
4. Struck By Moving Objects
5. Falls from Heights
6. Workplace Violence
7. Exposure to Harmful Substances or Environments
8. Electrocution
9. Accidents Involving Vehicles
10. Fires and Explosions

 

1. Overexertion and Bodily Reaction

Most commonly, overexertion happens when workers attempt to lift, pull, or push objects that are significantly heavier than they can or should handle. In 2018, overexertion and bodily reaction alone contributed to more than 30 percent of all non-fatal accidents in the workplace (BLS).  

Though a sore wrist and a sprained ankle may not be immediately life-threatening, extreme cases can still result in hospitalization, rehabilitation, and even surgery.

 

Safety tip: 

• For employers: Train employees on the proper techniques for carrying and handling objects. 
• For employees: Do not overexert yourself when you feel that you might not be able to handle a job alone. Always ask for help. 

 

2. Slips, Falls, and Trips

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, slips, falls, and tripping made up more than 200,000 cases of workplace injuries in 2017 and 2018 (BLS). While slip-and-fall accidents mostly happen due to wet floors and spills, they can also occur because of uneven surfaces, messy workplace environments, loose wires, etc. 

 

Safety tip: 

• For employers: Consider investing in spill-control supplies to help quickly contain the spillage from leaking containers and absorb moisture on the ground. 
• For employees: Be extremely careful when walking near wet surfaces, and also wear protective gear such as non-slip shoes for extra safety. 

 

3. Exhaustion

Being exhausted at work is more than just feeling drowsy and sleepy. The real risk lies in an employee’s decreased alertness and concentration level, which could likely result in poor judgment and serious workplace accidents.

When employees don’t take sufficient breaks and rest time, physical exhaustion can happen quickly, especially if employees are expected to work long hours under demanding conditions such as extreme heat or cold.  

 

Safety tip: 

• For employers: Implement consistent work schedules as well as frequent breaks, making sure that the workload is manageable for each employee. 
• For employees: Take breaks when needed, and don’t be afraid to ask for time off when unable to work due to mental or physical health issues.

 

4. Struck by Moving Objects

Though being struck by moving objects can happen in any work environment, workers in the agriculture, construction, and manufacturing industries are at higher risk due to the frequent handling of heavy machinery such as trucks or cranes (OSHA). Being struck by moving objects can often require serious medical attention and result in irreversible injuries, such as brain or spinal damage. 

 

Safety tip: 

• For employers: Be proactive and conduct proper workplace assessment and housekeeping to reduce employees’ risk of being struck by objects at work. 
• For employees: Make sure to use protective equipment and comply with safety measures at all times.

 

 5. Falls from Heights

Falling from high places is a common workplace accident for employees in the construction field. These injuries are undoubtedly some of the most fatal. In 2018 alone, there were 320 fall fatalities out of 1,008 total fatalities in the construction industry, representing 51 percent of fall accidents nationally (CDC).

Serious fall accidents can happen due to the misuse of ladders, electrical hazards, lack of safety equipment (such as harnesses), and poor scaffolding conditions. 

 

Safety tip:

• For employers: Plan ahead to decide which safety equipment will be needed to complete the job. Properly inspect harnesses, safety nets, and scaffolding to make sure that employees are safe. 
• For employees: Be highly alert and focussed while performing tasks away from ground level. 

 

 6. Workplace Violence

Workplace violence is more common than you may think. In fact, a whopping 2 million American employees suffer from workplace violence every year (OSHA). No matter the industry, employees can be subject to physical assault, verbal abuse, and even life-threatening situations while on the job. Those who work in high-crime areas or those who tend to have extensive contact with the public are at an even greater risk.

 

Safety tip: 

• For employers: Establish a violence prevention program that provides safety instructions, procedures, and proper education to employees. 
• For employees: Follow company safety procedures when confronted with workplace violence, and immediately report it to HR departments or supervisors for additional help.

 

7. Exposure to Harmful Substances or Environments

Many industrial, construction, and medical work environments often contain hazardous substances such as acids and heavy metals that could be detrimental to employees’ health. When employees come into contact with these substances without proper protection, some of the possible health effects can include poisoning, chemical burns, and even organ damage. 

Apart from these harmful substances, lengthy exposure to life-threatening outdoor environments, such as extreme cold and heat, can also be a potential risk to employees’ well-being. 

 

Safety tip: 

• For employers: Ensure proper administrative control and ventilation to minimize workers’ exposure to hazardous materials.
• For employees: When asked to personally handle toxic substances, wear protective equipment to avoid coming into contact with harmful materials.

 

8. Electrocution

Almost every workplace relies on electricity to function smoothly. Most of the time, when handled correctly, electrical equipment is perfectly safe. However, sometimes fatal accidents can still occur when, for example, workers come into contact with electrical hazards such as overhead power lines or accidentally touch a conducting object.

 

Safety tip:  

• For employers: Make sure that all electrical systems and machinery are properly inspected and maintained.
• For employees: Turn off power sources when storing electrical equipment, and remain on high alert while on the job. 

 

9. Accidents Involving Vehicles

Vehicle accidents can be extremely unpredictable and fatal. From 2003 to 2010, more than 800 workers ages 16 to 24 died in motor vehicle crashes at work, accounting for 22 percent of all workplace fatalities in this age group (CDC). Apart from being distracted at work, many of these accidents also occurred due to poor driving skills as well as a desire to meet employer schedules.

 

Safety tip: 

• For employers: Provide driver training, enforce the use of seatbelts, and reduce time pressure on employees.
• For employees: Practice safe driving and always comply with roadway safety policies. 

 

 10. Fires and Explosions

Fires and explosions can affect workplaces in any industry and have extremely detrimental consequences. Common fire and explosion hazards in the workplace can include dust buildup on machines, overloaded power sockets, combustible materials like paper, and improperly stored flammable liquids. When these dangerous substances are not monitored, they can cause a rapid escalation of fire and promote an explosive environment in the workplace. 

 

Safety tip: 

• For employers: Evaluate risks and develop control and mitigation strategies to limit the magnitude of a fire or explosion incident if it should occur.
• For employees: Keep the workplace clean and tidy to avoid dust buildup, and only smoke in designated smoking areas to prevent fire hazards.

One of the biggest fears for business owners is having one of their employees be injured on the job. Not only do workplace accidents cause physical harm to the employees, but also add tremendous stress to employers. Though it isn’t possible to completely avoid workplace accidents, taking precautions and proper safety measures can greatly reduce the occurrence of work-related injuries.

 

1. Create a Company Safety Guide

Creating a company safety manual may take a lot of time and investment, but the benefits greatly outweigh the cost. Having a written manual listing out all safety procedures, policies, and instructions makes it easy for employees and employers to refer back to the document whenever they encounter tricky safety-related situations at work. Employees are also more likely to comply with safety measures when the company's expectations are clearly communicated on paper.

 

2. Conduct a Thorough Risk Assessment

Risk assessments can reduce the chances of workplace accidents by helping employers identify the existing hazards, and becoming aware of the potential injury or accidents that could take place. 

By being proactive and trying to foresee the possible outcomes of every action in the workplace, employers can more effectively uncover risk in the workplace. Employees can then minimize injury risks with proper measures. 

 

3. Provide Adequate Safety Equipment and Gear

All workers have the right to work in safe environments and be provided with safety equipment whenever they are asked to work under risky conditions. It is the employers’ responsibility to provide each employee with adequate training as well as appropriate gear so that they are well prepared for their jobs. 

By complying with PPE protocols, employers can reduce the tremendous financial cost that may come with employee injuries, but most importantly, make sure that employees are working in a safe and comfortable environment.

 

 4. Maintain Sufficient Staffing Levels

Workplace accidents such as overexertion and physical exhaustion tend to happen when an organization is understaffed. In environments like this, employees are expected to work extra shifts and long hours, often causing them to become less alert and more prone to mistakes and accidents. Therefore, maintaining sufficient staffing levels is crucial to ensuring that each employee has suitable knowledge and skills to operate safely.

 

5. Perform Regular Workplace Inspections

Many workplace accidents can be greatly reduced if employers make sure to perform workplace inspections on a regular basis. By conducting a critical examination of the working environment, employers can quickly identify any hazardous conditions and plan a proper corrective action to resolve them.

 

 

While workplace accidents can be unpredictable, what you do have control over is the prevention process. Having the right personal protective equipment and safety procedures in place is the same as wearing a seatbelt on the road for self-protection. 

Though it might be difficult to control the infinite number of external conditions that may affect your business and employees, by recognizing potential risks, taking preventative measures, and doing your best to comply with safety regulations, workplace accidents won’t feel as out of your control anymore.  

Check out the infographic below for additional tips on how to protect your team.

 

Sources: BLS | OSHA | CDC

Product Compliance and Suitability

The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.