5 Common Workplace Accidents You Should Know | Protect Yourself

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I read that there are around 160 million victims of work-related illnesses worldwide annually.

Shocking, isn’t it?

These tragedies, not only can devastate their families, but also make an enormous burden for an economy. Not only is it the employer’s responsibility to make sure a safe working environment, but each worker also has a responsibility to protect themselves with simple PPE like gloves, safety helmets, eye welding helmet, etc.

Here are the top 5 Common Workplace Accident that can lead to major financial harm and traumatic injuries.

What is a workplace accident?

A work accident sometimes terms as an occupational accident, is a “sudden unplanned occurrence in the course of work” which may lead to serious physical or even mental occupational injury.

The phrase or clause “physical or mental harm” actually indicate any disease, injury, or death. Yes, a fatal accident at the workplace can lead to the death of a victim.

5 Most Common Workplace Accident that can lead to enormous traumatic injury

Not a joke, man!

Workplace accidents can be extremely painful and costly for both employees and employers. Here are the top 5 most commonly on-the-job injuries reported in the workplace, and for these injuries, the worker can claim compensation.

1. Overexertion Injuries

Overexertion is one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and accidents. Meanwhile, the causes of overexertion accidental injuries include: lifting, pulling, pushing, carrying, or holding objects as part of one’s job. These overexertion injuries can lead to physical therapy, medical bills, debilitating pain, and missed time at work.

The following injuries are associated with overexertion:

• Neck injuries
• Back injuries
• Muscle strains
• Joint and connective tissue injuries
• Heat exhaustion

2. Slipping, Tripping and Falling

Slipping, tripping and falling are among the most common causes of injury at work. Slips usually happen when a lack of friction or traction present between the feet and surface on the walking area. Hence, Trips happen when the foot hits an object, result in losing the balance.

Most slips, trips, and falls are caused by:

• Poor lighting
• Trailing cables
• Unsuitable floor coverings
• Poor housekeeping
• Contaminated floor surfaces
• Damaged or Uneven floor surfaces

3. Machine Entanglement

Awfully, when it comes to entanglement accident, people often do not have enough time to react. That’s why this accident leads to fatal injury, even death.

Over 34,000 people experience an injury in the workplace due to machine accidents every year. Employees should use proper protective equipment in a risky job like welding.

4. Vehicle Accidents

Traffic accidents are another leading cause of occupational fatalities. Employees who took driving for business purposes are sometimes injured in auto or motor accidents; some of them can be fatal.  Even a skilled and experienced driver also falls on a motor car accident.

5. Falling From Heights

Falling from a height or being hit by falling objects from tops are another most common workplace incidents not only in the UK but also common worldwide.  It leads to catastrophic injuries like:

• Broken bones
• Brain damage
• Crush injuries