What Are the Most Common Workers’ Comp Injuries?

When it comes to work or any job, no matter how hard we try, accidents can still happen. According to a report from the National Safety Council, workplace injuries taking place in the US are leading to missed workdays, increased insurance costs and reduced productivity. One of the best ways to be prepared for any situation is to have a basic understanding of the most common workers’ comp injuries that occur. In this blog, we’ll go over some of the frequently occurring workplace injuries and what you can do to protect yourself.

Slips and Falls

Accidents involving slips, trips and falls are one of the most common workplace injuries. This mostly happens due to a lack of attention towards the environment or failure to follow safety protocols. Usually, these accidents can lead to sprains, fractures, head and back injuries, and lacerations. To avoid these types of injuries, be sure to follow safety procedures and wear appropriate footwear that provides good grip.

Repetitive Motion Injuries

Repetitive motion injuries happen as a result of repetitive activities over an extended period, leading to muscle damage. Such activities can consist of typing, using heavy machinery, and working on an assembly line. These injuries can lead to nerve damage, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The most practical way to avoid such injuries is to take a break often and perform exercises to improve range of motion.

Burns

Burns are more common in industries like welding, cooking, and chemical plants. Different types of burn injuries to the body occur, such as chemical burns, exposure to hot surfaces and sunburn. It’s important to use precautions, such as wearing the correct protective gear and staying alert at all times.

Bruising or Contusions

Bruises or contusions are the most common type of workplace injury, often resulting from slips or falls, bumps, or knocks. It’s not just the impact that can be damaging, as a twist, turn or jolt can often cause the injury. These types of injury can lead to swelling, pain and can impact an individual’s ability to carry out tasks at work.

Inflammatory Injuries

Inflammatory injuries can occur when an individual is subjected to repetitive motions on a regular basis. For example, if you are typing for long hours, this can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, while standing for long periods can cause plantar fasciitis in the feet. Tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendons, which can be caused by overuse or repetition of a particular task.

Broken Bones

Broken bones are painful, and in some cases, they can be permanent, especially for people who work in construction, maintenance, or other similar jobs. Usually caused by a traumatic accident, the bone can be broken, splintered or twisted, causing severe pain and suffering. Recovery time can be long and the use of casts and other medical equipment can impact an individual’s ability to work for a long time.

Enlist the Professionals

Accidents and injuries can never be fully prevented in a workplace environment, but they can be reduced by following proper safety procedures, wearing the correct protective gear, and taking regular breaks to reduce fatigue in the body. Whether it’s a result of a slip, strain or burn, it’s important to recognize the level of injury and seek medical attention right away. If you have recently experienced a work-related injury, get in touch with Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy LLC in New Jersey to discuss your rights to compensation under workers’ compensation law.