The Most Common Causes of Work-Related Injuries

Are you at risk for a work-related injury?

Every employee is entitled to a safe workplace, but unfortunately, some employers fail to adhere to workplace safety norms. As a result, many workers are injured every year. Almost every workplace in the United States poses some type of risk to an employee. What are the most common causes of work-related injuries?

Dangerous Materials

There are workers who are required to handle hazardous substances at the workplace. It is the duty of the employer to provide appropriate safety equipment to the workers who are exposed to hazardous materials. Prolonged exposure to some hazardous materials, such as asbestos, can cause serious and life-threatening conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Defective or Hazardous Equipment

Defective or hazardous equipment are a common cause of accidents and injuries at workplaces across the United States. Equipment may pose a threat to a worker if it is not designed, manufactured, or repaired properly. It is not only complicated heavy machinery that can cause workplace injuries; a simple scaffold or ladder can lead to accidents if they are defective or not installed properly. Defective equipment can cause debilitating and fatal injuries. These accidents most commonly occur on assembly lines, at construction sites and mines.

Repetitive Stress

Continuous and prolonged use of a particular set of muscles can cause repetitive motion injuries. The most common types of repetitive motion injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome and bursitis.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Workers who operate a motor vehicle as a part of their job duties are at a high risk of motor vehicle accidents. Unfortunately, many motor vehicle accidents cause serious injuries.

Lack of Safety Guidelines

Every employer needs to establish and enforce proper safety guidelines to ensure the health and safety of the workers. Workplaces that lack safety guidelines pose a serious threat to their workers.

Insufficient Training

Every employer is obligated to provide proper training regarding the safe use of equipment at the workplace. Lack of training can cause serious mishaps and untrained employees do not just risk their own lives, but also put co-workers at risk.

Reckless Conduct of Co-Workers

A very small percentage of workplace injuries are caused by the reckless conduct of co-workers. They may behave inappropriately and pose a risk to other workers.