Recent report finds falls a top cause of workplace injuries

A study from the Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety found falls and overexertion were top causes of workplace injuries.

The Insurance Journal, a news source that focuses on business news for the insurance industry, released the latest findings for common causes of workplace injuries. Top causes include:

Overexertion. Costing an estimated $15.1 billion in direct workers’ compensation costs, injuries connected to lifting, pushing, holding or carrying objects topped the list. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and nerves as common examples of injuries connected to overexertion.
Falls. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) note that there are two different types of falls: falls on the same level and to a lower level. Both forms made the top five. These types of injuries lead to over $14 billion in workers’ compensation costs.
Struck-by and struck against. OSHA defines struck-by injuries as those caused by an object or piece of equipment making forceful contact with a worker. This can include objects falling, flying, swinging or rolling into a worker. These accidents contributed to approximately $7 billion in workers’ comp costs.
Caught in or compressed by equipment or objects. Accidents such as cave-ins, getting pulled into machinery or getting caught between a lowering hydraulic bed on a truck frame are examples that qualify within this category of injury. These injuries cost over $2 billion.

There are various regulations in place to help reduce the risk of these accidents. When it comes to falls, OSHA requires stairway floor openings to have a standard railing or toe board on all sides and holes in the floor that open to a lower level should have a cover. When the opening is in use, the hole should be constantly attended or protected by a removable standard railing. Even temporary openings must have railings or someone standing guard to keep the area safe.

Tips for those injured while on the job

Even when these regulations are followed, accidents can happen. Those who are injured while working are likely eligible to receive compensation benefits to help cover the costs associated with the injury through a workers’ comp claim. These benefits can help cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs and missed wages.

Moving forward with a claim can be an intimidating process. As a result, those who are injured while working are wise to seek the counsel of an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer. This legal professional will advocate for your rights, working to better ensure you receive the full benefits you are entitled to.

Keywords: workplace injuries