Unsafe working conditions can result in injuries to employees, ranging from minor to severe. Most employers spend considerable time and effort trying to ensure their business is as safe as possible to prevent injuries to employees and clients alike. When taking these steps, employers should keep in mind some of the more common types of workplace injuries, as this can help employers take the focused efforts necessary to prevent these injuries.
Back and neck injuries from lifting heavy objects are among the most common workplace injuries. Almost fifty-seven thousand workers per year in California are injured at work when they are lifting heavy objects at work. Employers should take measures to make sure their employees are educated about safe lifting techniques and are provided with the appropriate safety equipment, such as weight belts.
Another very common type of injury is a repetitive motion injury. Work that requires repeated motions can result in nerve, muscle, tendon, or ligament damage. Most people are familiar with carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a type of repetitive motion injury. It is not, however, the only type of repetitive motion injury. Any type of task which requires an action that is repeated over and over can result in this type of injury, such as reaching, twisting, or even lifting.
Slip and fall injuries are the third most common workplace injury reported in California, with about 30,000 people per year injured in this way at work. It is not uncommon for there to be wet or slippery floors in some types of work environments, such as dishwashing areas in restaurants, pool decks at a gym, or wet pavement after a rainstorm. Even if the employer is not responsible for the conditions that lead to the slippery conditions, the injured worker can still apply for workers’ compensation benefits.
Cuts and scrapes are also very common work-related injuries. Minor cuts or scrapes may not require anything more than a bandage, but some lacerations can be very serious, even requiring surgery to repair and physical therapy to completely recover. Almost twenty thousand workers a year in California file for workers’ compensation benefits due to cuts or scrapes.
We have experience with helping our clients understand their obligations to their employees in the workers’ compensation context. Call us today for a consultation.