In 2022, private industry employers reported nearly 3 million workplace injuries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS). This figure highlights the ever-present risks that most workers face each day. Also, there are six common types of injuries that workers and employers should be aware of. As workplace accidents remain a significant concern, the top Cincinnati workers’ comp lawyers with Clements, Taylor, Butkovich & Cohen, LPA, Co., work hard to fight for injured workers’ rights and see that they get fair compensation for their job-site injuries.
The 6 Most Common Workplace Accidents
The BLS documented all workplace incidents in private industry between 2021-2022. Below are the six most common types of non-fatal work-related accidents:
1) Overexertion and bodily reaction
Accounting for about 1 million in this period, overexertion refers to typically non-impact movements characterized by excessive physical effort. Such injuries come from pulling, pushing, lifting, carrying, throwing, repetitive use, and other movements that can strain.
2) Contact with objects and equipment
Almost 800,000 injuries are struck-by incidents involving objects and equipment that make forceful contact with workers. Such injuries stem from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) fatal four: falling, flying, rolling, or swinging objects.
3) Slips, trips, and falls
Slips, trips, and falls account for almost 700,00 incidents. They typically result from wet or unsafe surfaces, loss of balance, or feet hitting objects.
4) Exposure to harmful substances or environments
Over 600,000 injuries include chemical or toxic exposures. Environmental toxins can be chemical, biological, and physical, and they include UV radiation, chemical inhalants, radon, forms of air pollution, or cigarette smoke.
5) Violence and injuries by persons or animals
Employees have reported more than 150,000 instances of workplace violence between 2021-2022. OSHA defines workplace violence as the act or threat of physical harm, intimidation, harassment, or other disruptive behavior that occurs on the job or within the scope of work.
6) Transportation incidents
Over 150,000 transportation-related accidents were reported. These occur when individuals operate any type of commercial vehicle, including trucks, cars, bicycles, or motorcycles.
Although all industries post some occupational hazards, sectors that often have the greatest number of non-fatal incidents include transportation, production, and healthcare. Included in the detailed report was also information on the costliest injuries and an analysis of specific industries.
How the Best Work Injury Attorneys in Cincinnati Can Help
Accidents do happen, and sometimes the best form of protection is to anticipate them to mitigate the aftermath, which includes getting the compensation you need to recover from injuries. However, some workplace “accidents” aren’t necessarily unintentional. In these cases, employer negligence or product issues can be to blame.
Whether it’s due to an accident or negligence, a workers’ comp attorney with Clements, Taylor, Butkovich & Cohen, LPA, Co., can help you seek compensation for your work-related injury. They’ll help you file your claim, gather documentation of your injury, and appeal your claim if you’re denied benefits.