Did you know that someone is hurt while working every seven seconds? When you say it like that, it should be apparent how serious workplace accidents are. They injure thousands of people annually and have a true impact on the economy.
According to the National Safety Council, 510 workers were injured every hour in 2017. Additionally, around 12,600 people were hurt each day, adding up to 4,600,000 workplace injuries every year.
There are some common kinds of workplace injuries that can happen in any business, which include:
- Pain and soreness from poor ergonomics or other issues
- Sprains, tears or strains
- Lacerations, puncture wounds and cuts
In the majority of cases, it is overexertion that leads to injuries that cause lost workdays. Have you ever been at work and been so tired that you didn’t think you could continue? Pushing to continue your job could result in overexertion injuries, which is why it’s important for workers to be honest with themselves and their employers when they are too tired or feel exhausted from the work they’ve done.
To help prevent overexertion injuries, two helpful tips are to take regular, short breaks and to avoid reaching, twisting or bending when lifting. Doing these things can minimize the risk to yourself or other workers in your environment.
Employers have the responsibility to make changes and to provide support to prevent injuries on the job. Your employer should provide personal protective equipment and training for your job, especially when there are safety risks. If you’re injured on the job, then you have a right to seek workers’ compensation.
