How Workers Are Injured on the Job

The average American spends 1,800 hours a year at work, so it is never a surprise when they are injured on the job. These injuries cost workers billions of dollars collectively in lost productivity. Individually, workers can lose months of income for moderate injuries. Although each accident is unique, there are some common reasons why workers are injured. Contact our law firm to discuss if you can request compensation for an on-the-job injury or accident.

The Most Common Causes of Work Injuries

Here are the prime reasons workers are hurt:

1. Overexertion

Manual laborers can injure themselves when they exert themselves too forcefully. A worker can be hurt by pulling, pushing, lifting, or holding items for extended periods.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), 26.2 workers per 10,000 are injured this way, with those aged 45-64 the most at risk. The most frequent overexertion injury involves the back, such as back strain.

2. Falls, Slips, and Trips

Workers can fall when they trip over equipment or power cables or otherwise slip due to liquids on the floor. Falls are a serious accident, with workers striking their heads on the ground or breaking a bone when they land.

This type of accident injures 22.6 per 10,000 full-time workers each year. Those aged 55-64 are the most at risk, possibly because they lack balance. Younger workers might slip or trip but be able to regain their balance, with older workers falling instead. Workers typically lose 14 days of work each year for this type of accident.

3. Contact with Objects or Equipment

This is another leading cause of injuries. Workers can be hit by equipment or motor vehicles. These “struck by” accidents are very common at construction sites, where a worker can be hit by a falling hammer or materials, or otherwise be struck by forklifts and other motor vehicles at the site. Nearly half a million workers are injured in this type of accident each year.

4. Workplace Violence

Workplace violence is a little discussed phenomenon. Some workers are attacked by customers or members of the public. Other workers are hurt by colleagues.  Violence can lead to massive injuries, especially if people are stabbed or they fall backwards and strike their heads on the ground.

5. Exposure to Harmful Substances

Workers can become injured through exposure to toxins or other substances. These injuries are common in manufacturing, where workers inhale particulate matter.

During the COVID pandemic (2020-2021), this was the most common source of injury. Today, fewer workers are injured by harmful substances, including viruses, although it is a significant cause of missed work.

Call to Speak with a Portland Workplace Injury Lawyer

Rosenbaum Law Group, PC, has helped workers for decades with their personal injury needs. Anyone injured on the job might request workers’ compensation benefits. Some can also file a lawsuit against the person or business that caused their injury. Contact us to schedule a free, no obligation consultation with a Portland workplace injury lawyer to find out more.

Sources:

20somethingfinance.com/american-hours-worked-productivity-vacation/

injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/work-overview/top-work-related-injury-causes/