Most Common Workplace Injuries
Introduction
Workplace injuries are a serious problem that can have a significant impact on employees, businesses, and the economy. In the UK, there are an estimated 2 million workplace injuries each year, costing businesses billions of pounds in lost productivity and compensation claims.
Types of Workplace Injuries
There are many different types of workplace injuries, but some of the most common include:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Handling, lifting, or carrying
- Moving objects
- Repetitive strain
- Workplace violence
- Falls from height
- Cuts and lacerations
- Inhaling toxic fumes
- Crashes and collisions
- Loud noises
Preventing Workplace Injuries
There are many things that businesses can do to prevent workplace injuries, including:
- Providing adequate training to employees on safety procedures
- Ensuring that workplaces are properly maintained and free of hazards
- Providing employees with the appropriate safety equipment
- Creating a positive and supportive work environment
- Addressing any potential sources of conflict or stress
Comment
Workplace injuries are a preventable problem. By taking steps to create a safe and healthy workplace, businesses can help to protect their employees and reduce the risk of injury.
Accidents at Work over the Decades
Accidents at work are a serious problem that can have a significant impact on employees, businesses, and the economy. In the UK, there were an estimated 2 million workplace accidents in 2020, costing businesses billions of pounds in lost productivity and compensation claims.
Changes in Claim Time
The type of injuries sustained in accidents at work have changed over time as workplaces have changed. In the 1970s, the most common type of accident at work was a slip, trip, or fall. This was followed by injuries caused by handling, lifting, or carrying heavy objects. In recent years, the type of injuries has changed, with more accidents involving repetitive strain injuries, workplace violence, and falls from height.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls are still the most common type of accident at work, accounting for around 30% of all accidents. These accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including wet or slippery floors, uneven surfaces, and poor lighting.
Handling, Lifting, and Carrying
Injuries caused by handling, lifting, and carrying heavy objects are the second most common type of accident at work, accounting for around 20% of all accidents. These accidents can cause a variety of injuries, including back injuries, muscle strains, and ligament tears.
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are a type of injury that is caused by repetitive movements. RSIs can affect any part of the body, but the most common areas affected are the hands, wrists, arms, and shoulders. RSIs can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness.
Workplace Violence
Workplace violence is a serious problem that can have a devastating impact on employees. In 2020, there were an estimated 25,000 incidents of workplace violence in the UK. These incidents can range from verbal abuse to physical assault.
Falls from Height
Falls from height are a particularly dangerous type of accident, and they can often be fatal. In 2020, there were an estimated 300 deaths from falls from height in the UK.
Conclusion
Accidents at work are a serious problem that can have a significant impact on employees, businesses, and the economy. By taking steps to prevent accidents at work, businesses can help to protect their employees and reduce the risk of injury.
How the type of injuries have changed over this period as work places have changed
The type of injuries sustained in accidents at work have changed over time as workplaces have changed. In the 1970s, the most common type of accident at work was a slip, trip, or fall. This was followed by injuries caused by handling, lifting, or carrying heavy objects. In recent years, the type of injuries has changed, with more accidents involving repetitive strain injuries, workplace violence, and falls from height.
These changes can be attributed to a number of factors, including:
- The increasing use of technology in the workplace. Technology can lead to new hazards, such as repetitive strain injuries from using computers and other electronic devices.
- The changing demographics of the workforce. The workforce is becoming older and more diverse, which means that there is a wider range of people who are at risk of injury.
- The changing nature of work. Work is becoming more globalized and more precarious, which means that employees are more likely to be exposed to hazards.
These changes highlight the importance of taking steps to prevent accidents at work. Businesses can help to protect their employees by providing training on safety procedures, ensuring that workplaces are properly maintained, and providing employees with the appropriate safety equipment.
Claim Today specialist injury experts can help you after an accident at work in a number of ways.
They can:
Advise you on your legal rights. They can help you understand your legal rights and options after an accident at work.
Help you gather evidence. They can help you gather evidence of your accident and injuries, such as medical records, witness statements, and photographs.
Negotiate with your employer or insurer. They can negotiate with your employer or insurer on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve.
Represent you in court. If necessary, they can represent you in court to get you the compensation you deserve.
If you have been injured in an accident at work, it is important to speak to a Claim Today specialist injury expert as soon as possible. They can help you get the compensation you deserve and get you back on your feet.
