Common Workplace Injuries

ATLANTA, GA, December 04, 2010 (Press-News.org) In October of 2009 the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the most recent statistical data on workplace injuries. The study compared data collected on 2008 incidents with previous years. An evaluation of the data shows that the incidence rate of injury and illness among private industry employers has declined significantly every year since 2003. In 2008 illnesses and injuries for this group occurred at a rate of 3.9 cases per 100 equivalent full-time workers which is a decline from 4.2 per 100 in 2007.

Although the overall incidence rates continue to trend positively, the types of injuries that are most common remain consistent. Following are the ten most common workplace injuries according to the 2008 Workplace Safety Index:

Overexertion - The number one type of workplace injury for the past few years. Common causes of overexertion include pulling, pushing, holding, carrying and throwing activities at work.

Fall on Same Level - This includes falls without elevation or falls on the same level surface such as slips on wet slippery or snow covered surfaces.

Fall to Lower Level - These are falls from an elevated area such as a roof, ladder or stairway.

Bodily Reaction - Injuries caused by slipping and tripping without falling.

Struck by an Object - Includes falling objects or debris from an elevated surface.

Highway Incident - Automobile accidents while an employee is in a work status

Caught in / compressed by - Operation of machinery and tools used in construction and manufacturing industries are common causes of this type of injury. Exposure to extreme temperatures can also cause this classification of injury.

Repetitive Motion - Common repetitive motion injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome, back injuries and vision problems. These injuries cause damage to muscle and tendons due to prolonged repetitive motion.

Assaults and violent acts - Infrequent in occurrence and can include acts by coworkers, customers and other outsiders that take place at work.

Employers and employees both have an impact the incidence of workplace injuries. Together they work to keep workplace injuries from occurring by enacting safe work processes, providing proper training, and observing safe work practices. The efforts at workplace safety continue to improve the number of individuals who are impacted each year.

If you live in Atlanta, Georgia and have suffered a workplace injury, please visit the website of Robbins & Associates, P.C. today to learn more: http://www.robbinslaw.com/about.htm.