5 Common Work-Related Injuries You Need to Know

The rate of work-related injuries continues to decline, in part thanks to the efforts by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Ever since it was founded more than 40 years ago, it has remained focused on creating a safe working environment for all U.S. workers. Unfortunately, though, injuries still occur. So, what are some of the most common types of work-related injury?

#1) MSDs

Muscoloskeletal disorders (MSDs) are injuries that affect the body's muscles, tendons and ligaments. They are most common in jobs where workers are forced to move or manipulate their body unnaturally. Construction workers and factory workers, for example, often develop MSDs like pain back and herniated discs.

#2) Falls From Same Level

It shouldn't come as a surprise to learn that falling from same level is a common work-related injury. Whether it's a restaurant or construction site, workers may trip, slip and fall, thereby leaving them susceptible to broken bones, lacerations and other physical ailments. Falls from the same level are believed to account for more than 16% of all workers' compensation cases.

#3) Falls From Elevated Level

Some falls occur from a higher platform or level. Known as falls from an elevated level, it's a common type of work-related injury. Falls from elevated level are particularly concerning because of their increased risk of serious injury. However, they are less common than falls from same level. Statistics show that about 8% to 9% of all workers' compensation cases involve falls from elevated level, meaning falls from same level are about twice as common.

#4) Overexertion

Of course, overexertion injuries are common in the workplace. Normally, these injuries occur when workers perform the same repetitive movement over and over. This may include lifting box and manually moving them to a different area, or it may include nothing more than typing on a computer for eight hours a day.

#5) Falling Objects

Finally, falling objects injure tens of thousands of workers in the United States each year. In the construction workers, workers are required to use special safety systems to prevent falling tools from landing on workers or people below.

These are just a few of the most common work-related injuries. Whether it's MSDs, falls, overexertion or falling objects, employers should take the necessary precautions to protect their workers from injury. After all, this is a responsibility that comes with being an employer.