Workplace accidents are common and often unpredictable. However, knowing what workplace injuries are most common can help you avoid them in the future.

Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains are a huge cause of workers compensation claims. These often come from physical jobs where lifting and moving heavy objects, operating equipment or repetitive movement is required. To combat these, it is important to ensure that all employees are trained to properly life and move heavy objects to avoid injury. Also make sure employees are taking breaks and stretching in case of repetitive movement.

Cuts or Lacerations

Even a simple pair of scissors or the sharp edge of a plastic container can draw blood. While many cuts may be shallow enough to suffice with a band aid, others may need stitches. If your employees work with sharp objects (such as knives in a kitchen), make sure they understand the proper procedures for handling those objects. If something breaks, clear the area immediately and have any broken or sharp objects disposed of.

Burns

Burns are common in multiple industries, not just restaurants. Burns from fires, chemicals, sunburns and electrical burns can all cause damage to skin and tissues. There are many ways for burns to occur, which means there are also many ways to avoid certain burns. Gloves should be worn to prevent electrical burns for contractors and other physical labor along with those who handle chemicals for work. All businesses should have updated fire alarms and fire extinguishers in case of a fire.

Fractures and Breaks

While broken bones and fractures aren’t as common as normally sprains and strains, there are still instances where a fracture or break can occur. This often happens due to hard falls and trips, limbs caught in machinery and other accidents. Even a single break can cause severe damage and expensive medical bills. These breaks can be avoided by cleaning up messes, drying slippery floors and utilizing the correct signs to deter employees from stepping in dangerous areas. All employees should also be trained and instructed with proper techniques to use all machinery.

Training should be continuous to make sure employees are maintaining proper techniques. Every area of the business should be maintained to avoid dangerous areas. Business owners should also make sure to have a comprehensive workers compensation insurance policy in place just in case someone is injured on the job.

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