Workplace injuries can be devastating and financially costly for employees and employers alike. Even a minor injury that forces an employee to miss work or limits their ability to carry out their job duties can have negative consequences for both employees and businesses.
When you factor in the added stress of being under pressure from your employer to return to work sooner rather than later, it’s little wonder so many workers suffer from anxiety and depression as a result of their job injury.
These factors make it crucial for employers to create a safe and healthy workspace for everyone who works there. To help them do so effectively, here’s our list of the 5 most common workplace injuries in 2020.
Slips, trips and falls
Injuries related to slips, trips and falls are among the most common workplace injuries, accounting for approximately 33 percent of all worker injuries. Falls at work can result from a number of factors, including wet or slippery floors, poor lighting, uneven surfaces, hidden or misplaced cords and other obstacles.
These injuries can vary in their severity but may result in:
- Fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Shoulder dislocation
- Wrist, arm or elbow injuries
- Knee, foot or ankle injuries
- Concussions or other traumatic brain injuries
- Chronic pain
Struck by an object or equipment
Workers across many industries are at risk of being hit by equipment or falling objects, but these injuries occur most frequently at construction sites, mining sites, factories, warehouses and distribution centers.
These accidents can result in serious traumatic injuries that often lead to lengthy recovery periods and significant medical treatment, including surgery and rehabilitation.
Repetitive motion injuries
Repetitive motion injuries are an increasingly common occupational hazard in all industries. In particular, healthcare, construction, manufacturing and assembly line workers are at an increased risk of developing repetitive motion injuries as a result of their job duties.
Repetitive motion injuries can include conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. While often less severe than other workplace injuries, these conditions can be extremely painful and cause decreased mobilization over time.
Overexertion injuries
Overexertion injuries include anything involving lifting, carrying or handling heavy or oversized objects. Lifting is a common activity in almost every industry, and it presents a risk of injury when done improperly or without proper safety equipment.
While these injuries are rarely fatal, they can result in long-term back, shoulder or knee issues that make it difficult to carry out normal work duties. When lifting objects of significant size or weight, employers should ensure that employees use appropriate lifting equipment and follow all safety protocols.
Vehicle crashes
Many industries involve transportation, including taxi services, mail and delivery services, schools and construction. Now that home-delivery services are becoming increasingly popular, more drivers are on the roads than ever before, making accidents inevitable.
These accidents can result in catastrophic injuries that can lead to temporary or permanent disabilities and require extensive medical care, especially when they involve large trucks or buses.
When to contact a Georgia workers’ comp attorney
If you’ve been hurt at work from these or other injuries, it’s important to understand your rights to compensation. Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws require most employers with 3 or more workers to carry workers’ comp insurance. This insurance provides workers with benefits that include reimbursement for medical care and lost wages after a workplace injury.
Workers’ comp is a no-fault system, which means that you don’t have to prove your employer was at fault for your injury to receive compensation. There are procedures that must be followed and deadlines for filing paperwork in order to receive compensation. So if you’ve been injured at work, it’s best to contact an experienced workers’ comp attorney as soon as possible after an accident to ensure you don’t miss your chance to be compensated.
