The Most Common Workplace Injuries

Accidents can happen in any workplace, and in any industry. However, certain types of accidents are more common. And certain industries are inherently more dangerous.

In its 2021-2022 report, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) compiled data from the top nonfatal work-related injury causes. Let’s look at some of their top findings. Then, we’ll discuss some simple steps you can take to protect yourself and what to do if you get injured on the job.

The Top 3 Most Common Workplace Injuries

The top three most common workplace injuries made up 71% of all workplace injuries in 2021 and 2022. Here is bit more detail about each one:

#1 – Exposure to harmful substances or environments.

This category comprised 28% of all injuries reported in 2021 and 2022. The reason? COVID-19 is classified as a “harmful substance.” Prior to the pandemic, this category ranked 6^th on the list. Industries most impacted by this injury event include healthcare and social assistance workers.

#2 – Overexertion/bodily reaction.

Many workers get injured through physical overexertion or repetitive motions. In fact, this event type accounted for 23% of all workplace injuries in 2021 and 2022. The most common body part injured through this cause is the back.

#3 – Falls/slips/trips.

Falls and trips account for 20% of all workplace related injuries. While a fall can happen anywhere, those in the transportation, warehousing, and agricultural industries are most at risk. Workers aged 55 and over are also susceptible.

Additional Common Workplace Injury Events

There are several additional workplace injury causes that were prevalent for the 2021-2022 timeframe. These include:

• Contact with objects and equipment
• Violence and other injuries by persons or animals
• Transportation incidents
• Fire and explosions

Further, about 1% of all reported workplace injuries are categorized as “nonclassifiable injuries.”

The table below depicts the most common non-fatal workplace injuries for 2021-2022:

Source: NSC Injury Facts

Protecting Yourself from Workplace Injuries

While you can’t predict or avoid every possible workplace accident, there are a few things you can do to improve your safety.

• Keep up with regular physical exams. It’s important to monitor your health for any changes. If you are in a physically demanding job, let your doctor know.
• Practice good ergonomics. If you have a desk job, make sure you practice good ergonomics. This means, make sure your desk, chair, computer, and other workspace setup is suited for your height and needs. The Mayo Clinic has additional information on this topic.
• Keep an orderly workspace. Work to keep your own space picked up and tidy.
• Report hazards or unsafe conditions. If you see something unsafe, let your employer know. But what happens if they won’t listen, or you feel this issue is of a more serious nature? You can always call Washington’s Department of Labor & Industries for help.

Finally, take time to verse yourself on your rights as an employee in Washington State.

Steps to Take If You’ve Been Injured

If you’ve been injured at your place of work, it’s important that you act quickly. Failure to do so could mean you are denied valuable compensation. Additionally, notifying your workplace could prevent others from being harmed.

According to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, there are two things to do if you’ve been injured on the job:

• Seek medical attention
• Notify your workplace

It’s important to understand that your employer is required by Washington State law to provide workers’ compensation coverage. And you’re eligible to this coverage whether your employer was at fault or not.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer for Help

Sometimes, you’ve been injured on the job due to someone else’s negligence. This could be your employer, or even a third party – such as a contractor. When this happens, you might want to reach out to a personal injury lawyer to see if there are additional legal steps you could take.

To speak with a lawyer from our team at no cost or obligation to you, please fill out our short contact form or call us at (253) 272-5226.