What Are the Most Common Workplace Accidents?

Regardless of whether you work in an office setting or a construction site, you are capable of suffering from a workplace accident. They can cause a significant amount of pain and stress for the employee, and can increase the work other employees must do, which in turn increases the risk of a worksite injury.

Some accidents, however, are more common than others. Today, our Maryland worksite injury attorneys will look at which types of job injuries are the most common.

Accidents involving objects and equipment

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that machinery accidents are responsible for nearly 800 fatalities and nearly 18,000 amputations each year in the United States. A little mistake can result in a serious accident when equipment is involved in the workplace.

Accidents such as falling off of a piece of equipment, getting pinned by the equipment, being crushed under a piece of equipment, or suffering amputations can occur. If the equipment is defective or has not been maintained properly, employees can sustain injuries such as concussions, electrical burns, paralysis, cuts and lacerations, and broken bones.

Slips, trips, and falls

OSHA reports that nearly 700 fatalities are caused through slips, trips, and falls at the workplace. The most dangerous aspect of these types of Maryland workplace accidents is that they can occur in any industry. Slip and falls are the most constantly reported workplace accidents. One of the most common injuries that result from these types of accidents is a fracture. In rare cases, these accidents can cause severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage.

Overexertion and bodily reaction

One of the most common causes of workplace accidents includes overexertion. Employees are at risk of succumbing to these types of accidents when they engage in activities such as lifting, pushing, holding, pulling, or carrying objects constantly. Some of the common injuries that result from overexertion include neck injuries, back injuries, muscle pains, joint injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, and heat exhaustion.

These types of injuries are likely to occur if employees have performed the following activities without a break or are asked to perform tasks that are not aligned with their physical abilities. These types of injuries occur often in the construction industry, even though any employee is capable of overexerting himself or herself.

Transportation accidents

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) states that an average of three employees die from transportation accidents each day. Similar to many motorists, employees who drive on the job are exposed to the dangers of the road, from dangerous drivers to changing weather conditions. One of the most common reasons for transportation accidents involves distracted driving.

Some transportation accidents occur as a result of a negligent third party. Some of the common injuries sustained from transportation accidents including hit and run incidents, collisions with a work and personal vehicle, being run over by a moving vehicle or another driver, or backing over an employee.

Workplace violence

One of the most dangerous scenarios that many employers fear is workplace violence among coworkers or former employees. In the year 2018, workplace assaults accounted for 20,790 injuries and 453 fatalities in the United States. There are certain industries – healthcare, education, and services – that are more inclined to violence than others; still, workplace violence can happen in any occupation.

The NIOSH breaks workplace violence up into four categories: customer and client, worker and worker, personal relationship, and criminal intent. Employers are required to develop a policy that establishes an emergency plan, mock training exercises, and a zero-tolerance policy surrounding workplace violence.

Fires and explosions

The OSHA reports that there are 200 fatalities and over 5,000 employees who are injured as a result of workplace accidents that result in fires and explosions. Certain industries like construction are more prone to these types of workplace accidents. Some of the common factors that are responsible for igniting fires on the job involve flammable liquids, explosives, and blasting agents, temporary heating devices, chemical tanks, liquefied petroleum gas, and electrical malfunctions and shorts. Some of the common injuries from fires and explosions involve damage from first, second, or third-degree burns, severe damage to the eye, ear, or brain, and temporary or permanent disfigurement.

Exposure to chemical substances

The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that exposure to dangerous chemical substances resulted in the deaths of 642 employees and accounted for 36,840 nonfatal injuries. Certain chemicals like pesticides, asbestos, benzene, aluminum, mercury, and lead are present in all types of workplaces. The OSHA warns that it may take weeks, months, or in some cases years for employees to identify the types of injuries sustained by being exposed to certain chemical substances.

Chronic illnesses can develop in a person over time from chemical exposure. The most impactful route of exposure to chemical substances involves the skin. Some common injuries involve throat or lung injuries, skin irritation, burns, rashes, and nerve injuries.

If you sustained injuries in a work-related accident, call the Maryland workers’ compensation attorneys of Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. at 410-730-7737 or fill out our contact form. We have offices throughout the state, and offer free initial consultations and a flexible appointment schedule. Reach out to us to learn more about how we can help you get the benefits you require.