4 Types of Common Workplace Injuries

As more people work from home, the number of workplace injuries and deaths falls. The number of preventable workplace deaths dropped by 10% in 2020 according to the National Safety Council. But just because some work is remote, doesn’t mean that workplace injuries don’t happen at all—and working from home doesn’t mean you’re immune either. It’s important to know what the most common workplace injuries are, how to avoid them, and what to do if you become a victim of a workplace accident. Here are 4 types of common workplace injuries.

Slips and falls

Slips and falls are one of the most common workplace injuries. This can happen when someone falls from a higher surface, such as a ladder, trips down stairs, or falls on the same level. These sorts of injuries are especially common in the construction and transportation and warehousing industries. The best way to avoid this type of accident is to have safety measures in place. If your job requires you to be on elevated surfaces, make sure that you have the proper safety equipment to limit the chance of an injury. 

Overexertion and back strain

Working can mean spending hours on end in the same routine. If you’re at a desk all day, that can mean hours on end sitting in a chair, staring at a screen. If you’re more mobile during the workday, your routine might consist of other repetitive motions. If you usually sit at a desk, consider getting up once every hour to take a lap around the office. This will give you a mental break to refresh. It will also give your back a break from being locked in the same position. Or, consider asking your office to invest in standing desks. These adjustable desks make it easy to change your position throughout the day, so you’re not sitting all day. If you take a few minutes each day to stretch out it will leave you feeling better and reduce your chance of soreness and aches.

Falling objects

Workers are also injured when something falls. Shelves collapse, ceiling tiles give out, and coffee mugs get knocked over onto laps and laptops. Usually, these mishaps cause nothing more than a thud and a surprise, but getting hit by a heavy object can potentially cause a serious injury, including a concussion, fracture, or broken bone. If you’re in an open office, be careful in closets, in areas with high shelves, and always pay attention to your surroundings.

Cut and lacerations

When your mind is distracted throughout the workday, it’s easy to cut yourself by accident with a mail opener, on a cutting board, or while prepping lunch in the break room. If you do cut yourself, seek help immediately if it’s a serious injury. Lacerations to the skin can cause immediate bleeding and can become infected if not treated properly. To avoid cuts and injuries, keep sharp objects out of the way. Put scissors in drawers and make sure to utilize the safety lock on the cutting board.

If you’re injured on the job

Work can be stressful—don’t let an office injury add to your stress. If you are injured, visit a doctor to make sure you’re aware of the full extent of the injury. Consider visiting a chiropractor as well. Chiropractors specialize in rehabilitation recovery and can create a rehab plan unique to your injury. Chiropractic care is particularly helpful for many of the types of injuries you may suffer at your workplace. Working with the right chiropractor can ensure that you have a quick and painless recovery.

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