What Are the Most Common Workplace Injuries?

May 27,2018

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that there were nearly 3 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illness in the U.S. in 2016. About one-third of those injuries were considered serious and required time away from work.

Here are some of the most common workplace injuries in the US:

Slip and fall accidents: One-third of all workplace injuries are related to slip-and-fall accidents. They are also the top reason for workers’ compensation claims.
Vehicle-related accidents. From 2003 to 2012, nearly half of the 573 reported workplace fatalities were vehicle-related. The activities that are most likely to result in vehicle-related accidents are driving for work, coupling and uncoupling a trailer, reversing and slow speed maneuvers, vehicle maintenance and repairs, and loading and load securing.
Machinery-related accidents: Accidents where a body part gets caught in a machine are also common in the workplace. The best way to avoid these types of accidents is to ensure all machines being used have the appropriate safeguards, and all employees are trained in how to properly use them.
Fire and explosions. These might not seem like common workplace occurrences, but explosions and workplace fires make up 3% of all workplace injuries, and have the highest casualty rate of all workplace accidents. These accidents can be caused by faulty gas lines, improperly stored flammable materials, open flames and other safety issues.

If you have been injured at work, you need to report the injury as soon as possible. In most cases, you will have a workers’ compensation claim, but in rare instances you might actually have a personal injury claim.

“Workplace regulations are in place to protect workers from these types of accidents. However, accidents on the job will still happen, and injured workers should be fairly compensated for their damages,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today at (760) 777-7777 for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, El Centro, and Yucca Valley, and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.