In the grim lists of workplace injuries at an organization’s blog, it often seems like the most prevalent place to be injured is on the job. And for good reasons, too.
The National Safety Council estimates that on average, at least one person is killed every three hours from a workplace injury. That equates to more than 100 deaths per day or 4,500 per year. Even worse- a study from Northwestern University found that almost 70% of workplace fatalities are preventable with help from technology and innovative designs. The workplace is full of dangers, but here are the top five most common workplace injuries and how to avoid them!
- Sprains: Everyday tasks such as lifting, moving or carrying objects can lead to a sprain. To prevent this, it is important to stretch your muscles before and after intense activity. You should also make sure you warm-up and cool down properly beforehand. If a sprain occurs, first give yourself an ice pack for 10-15 minutes then don’t put weight on the injured area for at least 48 hours – just in case of further damage! Further prevention includes wearing appropriate footwear with grip in high-risk areas like ladders or scaffolding.
- Burns: Burns is one of the most common workplace injuries. Your risk level increases if you are in a hot environment or around machinery and electrical equipment. To prevent burns: – Always wear protective clothing and gloves – Avoid wearing loose clothing which can burn when exposed to heat – Keep away from flames or sparks and don’t use damaged electrical equipment.
- Back injuries: Back injuries account for 12% of all workplace injuries, but there are many ways to prevent them! These include: – Make sure that you build up core strength during exercise time at work – Feel the pull in your muscles before doing the heavy lifting – Avoid twisting your back to get things off high shelves.
- Stress: 4 out of 5 employees are suffering from stress at work, with women 2 times more likely to feel stress than men. Stress can develop over an extended period because of too much pressure or a difficult working environment. Some ways in which you can reduce workplace stress include: – Taking regular breaks and making sure to balance work with home life – Learning to say no.
- Hand and arm injuries: The most common cause of hand and arm injuries is manual handling. These injuries can occur when carrying objects, or finger injuries when using any sort of machine. Prevention is key! Try to avoid using your hands in many situations that can cause injury. – Work in groups where possible
Verdict
The most common workplace injuries can be avoided by taking necessary precautions and following safety procedures. By learning what the most common injuries are and banishing them from your office, you will see a huge difference in your health and wellbeing.
The new research analyzed the most common causes of work-related injury among employees, as well as a wide range of associated outcomes, across six countries. The results clearly show how important it is for employers to implement better basic safety measures across their entire workforce.