Every day in America, 13 people go to work and never come home. 3.3 million people suffer a workplace injury from which they may never recover.
Serious workplace injuries are far too common. 4,405 workers were killed on the job in 2013 while millions more suffered serious non-fatal injuries.
Our mission at Arbill is to make sure every worker makes it home safely. At Arbill, our employees don’t just make safety gloves or eyewear or protective clothing… we make workers safe. We prevent tragedies. That’s what drives us. That’s what we’re passionate about.
Of the 10 most common injuries on the job, the majority are those random incidents that can happen to anyone and at any time. Not only is it the employer’s responsibility to ensure a safe work environment, each employee also has a responsibility to themselves to take caution when on the job.
As listed by leading insurance companies around the country, here are the top 10 reported worker’s compensation injuries:
10. On the Job Violent Acts
Attacks caused by office politics and other arguments have led to serious physical injuries. Workplace violence employee training and employee diligence in watching out for suspicious activities can help keep these incidents at bay.
9. Repetitive Motion Injuries
This type of workplace injury is one of those less obvious but definitely harmful ones in the long run. Repetitive motions such as typing and using the computer 24/7 can strain muscles and tendons causing back pain, vision problems, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Employee training and the use of proper ergonomic equipment can help keep these incidents low.
8. Machine Entanglement
This type of injury usually occurs in a factory where heavy equipment and machinery are used. Clothing, shoes, fingers and hair are by everyday equipment when no precaution is taken. Protective equipment and attention to personal details are necessary to avoid these incidents.
7. Vehicle Accidents
Employees who drive for business purposes are often injured in auto accidents, some of which can be fatal. Employee Safe-Driver training and employer safe driving policies are likely to reduce accidents.
6. Walking Into Injuries
This happens when a person accidentally runs into concrete objects such as walls, doors, cabinets, glass windows, table, chairs etc. Head, knee, neck, and foot injuries are common results. Employee’s diligence and employer focus on keeping the work environment free from hazards are key to preventing these types of injuries.
5. Falling Object Injuries
Objects that fall from shelves or dropped by another person can cause very serious injuries. Head injuries are a common result of this type of accident. Employee’s diligence and employer focus on keeping the work environment free from hazards are key to preventing these types of injuries. Of course, proper personal protection gear usage, such as a hard hat, can be instrumental in keeping the employee safe.
4. Reaction Injuries
These are injuries caused by slipping and tripping without falling. These incidents can cause muscle injuries, body trauma, and a variety of other medical issues. It can be hard to prevent such incidents but it is important for employees to pay attention to what is going on in the environment around them.
3. Falling from Heights
This type of fall happens from an elevated area such as roofs, ladders, and stairways. They can be caused by slip and fall accidents or due to faulty equipment. These types of accidents can be reduced by the use of proper personal protection gear, training and employee diligence.
2. Slipping/Tripping
The number 2 cause of workplace injuries, this pertains to falls on wet and slippery floors or trips over something lying on the floor. Attention to what is going on around them is required of employees and employers will have safety guidelines to ensure spills are promptly cleaned and no debris is present which can be dangerous.
1. Overexertion Injuries
This includes injuries related to pulling, lifting, pushing, holding, carrying, and throwing activities at work. Overexertion not only consistently been the number one workplace injury according but is also the most expensive.
As reported by the US Department of Labor, the Top 10 most frequently sited OSHA standards violated in 2014 (October 1, 2013 through September 30, 2014) include:
- Fall protection
- Hazard communication standard
- Scaffolding, general requirements
- Respiratory protection
- Powered industrial trucks
- Control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)
- Ladders
- Electrical, wiring methods, components and equipment
- Machinery and Machine Guarding
- Electrical systems design, general requirements
Training, diligence and proper safety equipment are instrumental elements to reducing workplace accidents and injuries, but when it comes to bringing workers home safe, it is not enough. Education is what takes workplace safety to the next level.
Arbill offers a wide range of resources. Through our EH&S Program, Arbill helps you create a culture of safety. The information shared by Arbill’s EH&S Professionals through Consulting and Education services creates an in-depth understanding and a heightened sense of awareness that translates into best practices, fewer accidents and higher safety accountability.
