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The statistics: Workplace injuries impact thousands every day

On Behalf of | Dec 11, 2018 | Workplace Injuries

Workers’ injuries affect thousands of people every day. It might not seem like injuries should impact so many people, but the reality is that there are many jobs that aren’t very safe.

The reality is that workplace injuries happen every day. Many of them could be prevented, but they aren’t. As a result, the statistics about workers’ injuries may appear shocking.

Work injuries happen every day

For example, did you know that there are around 12,300 workplace injuries each day. That adds up to a shocking 4,500,000 injuries every year.

Another interesting fact is that most of the injuries that result in workers having to stay off the job include sprains, tears or sprains, pain or soreness, and wounds such as cuts, lacerations or punctures.

What injuries lead to the most days of lost work?

There are three primary injuries that result in the most days missed from work. These include overexertion, slips, trips and falls, and coming into contact with equipment or objects. Around 34 percent of injuries are a result of repetitive motions or lifting or lowering items that were too heavy or awkward to do so safely. Around a quarter of injuries are a result of slipping, tripping or falling. Another quarter include coming into contact with equipment by being struck, caught in machinery or through other means.

What can workers do to avoid getting injured on the job?

To avoid getting hurt on the job, it’s a good idea to make sure you avoid bending, twisting or reaching when you need to pick something up. Those movements make it more likely for you to injure yourself.

Another thing you should do to avoid getting injuries is to wear the right personal protective gear. If you wear the right protective gear, like steel-toed boots, helmets and other protective items, you’ll be less likely to wind up with an injury.

Finally, avoid slips, falls and tripping incidents by making sure you take the time to keep a clean workplace. Everyone should make sure they’re picking up after themselves and removing debris from the ground. They should also encourage reporting areas where the ground has become hazardous due to carpet pulling up, uneven terrain or other issues.

Many occupations cause injuries to those who work in them, from firefighters in service jobs to construction workers who are fixing the roads. Stay safer by following the safety protocols you have on the job.