Common Workplace Accidents Result in Costliest Claims
After examining 1.2 million workers’ compensation claims from 2017 to 2021, a new survey found that the most frequent causes of injury are:
- Overexertion (29%)
- Slips, trips and falls (23%)
- Getting struck by an object (12%)
- Motor vehicle accidents (5%)
- Caught-in or caught-between hazards (5%)
The study found that any injury has tangible consequences, and many include long-term, sometimes permanent, effects. By understanding where the risks are, businesses can better identify what to look for and tailor their risk management and employee safety strategies accordingly to help prevent future injuries.
The top causes of severe claims ($250,000 or more) were:
- Slips, trips and falls
- Overexertion
- Being struck by an object
- Caught-in or caught-between hazards
- Motor vehicle accidents
During the past few years, 35% of workplace injuries occurred during an employee’s first year on the job. For 2023, this resulted in six million missed days. Lost workdays by specific injuries are:
- Construction (103 days)
- Transportation (83 days)
- Services (72 days)
- Wholesale (71 days)
- Manufacturing (67 days)
In manufacturing, shoulder injuries were the most frequent injury. And in small businesses, the most common injuries were slips, trips and falls.
Source: EHS Today
We can help you identify hazards at your job site. To get started, contact Jennifer Carmack at 731-984-8400 or jennifer@occmedjackson.com.
