The Seven Most Common Injuries in the Workplace

1. The Seven Most Common Injuries in the Workplace The seven common, high cost injury types that happen in a workplace are the following: Caught in/under/between Falls from elevation Falls at same level Struck By/against Motor vehicle accidents Musculoskeletal disorders of the lower extremities Musculoskeletal disorders of the neck, back and upper extremities

2. What are “compensable” claims? Compensable claims are worker claims for serious injuries that result in time off from work for medical treatment and recovery. Compensable claim payments include medical bills, compensation for days off work and disability payments. Claims involving simple medical treatment for minor injuries with no days off work are not included. Compensable claims account for 92.1% of all claims costs paid by the worker compensation system.

3. What is a “caught in/under/between” injury? An injury produced by squeezing, pinching or crushing a part of the body between a moving or stationary object, between two moving objects or between parts of an object. Examples: hand caught in a rotating part of a machine finger amputated by a rotating saw blade Toes crushed by wheels of a moving vehicle Worker pulled into an auger

4. What is a “fall from elevation” injury? An injury from a fall from one level to a lower level or an impact against an object that is lower than the level the person is standing on. Examples: fall from a roof fall from a ladder fall from a truck, tractor or construction vehicle fall from a scaffold fall off a raised deck or platform fall off a loading dock

5. What is a “fall from same level” injury? An injury resulting from falling over to the same level as the working surface or falling into or against an object at the same level. Examples: tripping over a cord or clutter on the floor losing balance while carrying a heavy object falling against a sharp object Slipping on a wet floor

6. What is a “struck by/against” injury? “Struck against” is an injury from impacting objects during movement, such as bumping into objects, stepping on objects, or being pushed or thrown against objects. Does not include falls. Examples: bumping head on overhead beam hand slips off hand tool accidentally touching a hot pipe “Struck by” is an injury resulting from a falling or flying object, or being struck by another person. Examples: object falling off a platform onto a worker, grinding dust in eye; noise exposure (noise “strikes” eardrum: and kicked by patient in a mental hospital

7. What is a “motor vehicle” injury? Injuries from motor vehicle accidents, including collisions, rollovers and sideswipes. The injured person can be the driver or a passenger, but does not include accidents as passengers on public transportation.

8. What is a “musculoskeletal disorder of the lower extremity”? Injuries to the legs, knees, ankles, foot from overexertion, prolonged kneeling, or other bodily motion. (These do not include impact injuries to the lower extremities.)

9. What is a” musculoskeletal disorder of the neck, back & upper extremities”? Injuries to the neck, back, arms, wrists or hands due to overexertion, repetitive motion, lifting, pulling pushing or carrying objects, or excessive vibration. Examples: back injuries – sciatica, disc problems, low back pain shoulder injuries – rotator cuff damage elbow injuries – epicondylitis carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger hand/wrist tendinitis