Injured by a faulty floor jack

The Most Common Workplace Injuries May Surprise Business Owners

7 July 2015

Mia Little

If you are a business owner, you know the importance of obtaining workers compensation insurance. In fact, workers compensation is required by law in some states. However, many employers think that major workplace injuries account for the majority of workers compensation claims. In actuality, most claims are caused by minor mishaps or injuries. Here are some of the most common workplace injuries that result in a worker's compensation claim.

Falls

Up to a third of all workers compensation claims are caused by accidental trips, slips, and falls. While you may realize that a loose extension cord is a recipe for disaster, you may not think about some of the other hazards that contribute to falls. Many accidents are caused by slipping on ice or snow-covered sidewalks outside of the business or on slush inside the entrance door. In other workplaces, such as restaurants, slipping on water or grease causes a great number of injures. Defective flooring that is raised, buckled or missing is also a primary cause of injury for workers in all types of work environments.

Overexertion

Overexertion is another primary cause of workplace injuries and occurs when employees simply push themselves to do more than they are physically capable of doing. Overexertion can result in sprains, strains, and more serious issues like a torn ligament or a slipped disc in the back. It is often the result of lifting, pulling, or pushing items in an unsafe manner or that are simply too heavy to handle by oneself. Overexertion can also occur during the hot, summer months when outdoor workers push themselves too hard during the peak of the day.

Repetitive Stress

Repetitive stress injuries can affect almost any type of business because they are caused by repetitive movements. This category includes a number of related health issues such as carpel tunnel syndrome and tendinitis among others. These injures can be caused by various actions including typing on a computer keyboard, staring at computer screens as well as repetitive assembly motions in a factory or plant. Grocery store checkout clerks are also at risk for repetitive stress injuries due to the constant scanning of bar codes on products.

If you are a business owner, take the time to examine your business's working areas to ensure that they are as safe as possible. Remove any items that may pose a tripping, lifting, or other occupational hazard to prevent compensation claims from occurring.

To learn more about workers compensation claims, contact an attorney such as Dennis Kenny Atty. 

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