While there are risks with any kind of employment, there are some jobs that are riskier than others. For example, a person who is involved in physical labor are more likely to be injured than a person who works in an office setting.
Still, accidents and injuries occur no matter the physical exertion in a job. For people who are concerned about safety and avoiding injury, it is important to be aware of what kinds of injuries are most common in the workplace and how they might happen.
The most recent numbers show which work injuries happen most often
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics analyzes the number of workplace accidents people have, how they came about, which jobs have the highest amount and the injuries people suffer. It takes time for them to make its assessment based on all the available information, so the most recent comprehensive numbers are from 2022. Despite that, there are trends that can be used to accurately assess the chance of work accidents with injuries.
The National Safety Council used BLS statistics to create graphs detailing work accidents and injuries. There was a notable disparity between accidents that led to a worker fatality and those that left them with injuries. For example, transportation accidents such as ones involving a truck driver had the highest percentage of deaths. They were sixth in terms of injuries.
Transportation is problematic because there are myriad factors that can cause a worker to be injured. Since items need to be moved from one location to another whether that is on the worksite or on the road, workers are vulnerable. The highest number of injuries in which a person lost time on the job was related to slips, trips and falls. This makes sense because it can happen anywhere no matter the job a person is doing and their duties. Falling in an office can happen just as quickly as it does on a construction site.
People can also suffer workplace injuries through contact with equipment or an object. If they are working outdoors where equipment is used, for example, to prune trees or to build something, then there is a chance that they could be injured by the item hitting them. In a more sedentary setting something as innocuous as a bookcase falling could cause injury.
Those who are tasked with working with hazardous substances could suffer a condition, injury or illness from contact with that substance. This is commonly associated with transport, but it happens in laboratories, factories or warehouses. It is possible that people can be exposed to dangerous liquids or formulas that can damage them. This can lead to major health problems that take them away from work.
Fires and explosions can happen in myriad kinds of jobs, not just those where people are working with flammable or combustible items. It can lead to burns, lost limbs, permanent disfigurement, scarring and death.
Any work injury can be costly and workers’ compensation can help
Regardless of the cause and the extent of the work injury, many of the common denominators are the same. Lost time on the job means lost income. Injuries make medical care necessary. The duration for which the person is off the job can cause a litany of personal, financial and professional challenges that need to be addressed.
Workers’ compensation benefits are available to those who have been hurt no matter how it happened. However, there can be obstacles with the process such as a dispute as to the severity of the injuries, how long they will be out and how much medical care they need. It is imperative to understand the process and to have experienced guidance with getting approved and maximizing benefits.
