Five Common Causes of Workplace Injuries

Workplace injuries can happen in any industry, from offices and retail stores to manufacturing floors and construction sites. Many are preventable with awareness and the right precautions. Understanding the most common causes is a critical first step toward protecting employees’ health and reducing lost time. Below are five of the most frequent causes of workplace injuries, along with practical tips to help minimize risk and keep safety top of mind.

1. Cumulative Trauma
   Results from repetitive motions over time, which can strain or damage joints, muscles, tendons, and nerves.

   How to Avoid: maintain good posture | take short stretch breaks | use ergonomic tools | wear braces and supports | know proper lifting techniques

2. Slips, Trips & Falls
   Often caused by wet surfaces, weather hazards, poor lighting, obstructed views, cluttered walkways, and uneven surfaces; falls may also occur from heights, including from ladders, stairs, and roofs

   How to Avoid: practice good housekeeping | wear appropriate footwear | follow ladder and stair safety | stay aware of your surroundings | report or clear areas with clutter, spillage, or obstructions

3. Contact w/Equipment or Objects
   Striking, being struck by, or being pinched or crushed by equipment, materials, or objects; also caused by friction between a person and an object

   How to Avoid: use caution around machinery | be aware of overhead objects; report signs of instability | undergo proper training | perform routine maintenance of equipment and machinery

4. Material Handling
   Common in manufacturing and the retail industry; injuries usually occur from unsafe or incorrect practices in moving materials, manually and mechanically

   How to Avoid: practice proper lifting | use mechanical aids as appropriate | avoid lifting/moving items that are too bulky, heavy, or awkward for one person

5. Incidents Involving Tools
   Includes injuries from power and nonpowered tools; typically caused by human error, improper use, or tool malfunction

   How to Avoid: ensure proper training | never work while distracted | inspect tools regularly | use tools only as intended by the manufacturer

 

Brought to you by:

---

Other Resources

NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL
https://www.nsc.org/workplace/safety-topics/slips-trips-and-falls/slips-trips-and-falls-home

OSHA
https://osha-safety-training.net/osha-slips-trips-falls-protect-employees/

AMERICAN LADDER INSTITUTE
https://www.americanladderinstitute.org/page/BasicLadderSafety

 

Disclaimer: Our article is designed to provide general information about various topics of interest and should NOT replace the guidance, advice, or recommendations from licensed insurance or legal professionals, other industry experts, or state and federal authorities.