Virtually any type of injury can occur in a workplace setting, but there are certain injuries that are more common than others.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most common type of workplace injury is the category of sprains, strains, and tears. Here is the breakdown, by injury type:
- Sprains, strains, and tears – 37 percent
- All other nature of injury or illness – 21 percent
- Soreness, pain – 16 percent
- Fractures – 9 percent
- Bruises and contusions – 9 percent
- Cuts, lacerations, and punctures – 9 percent
A total of 421,610 days of work were missed due to sprains, strains, and tears. On average, workers who suffered a sprain, strain or tear missed 10 days of work. Workers who suffered other injuries missed an average of 8 days of work.
There was an increase in the number of workers who suffered cuts, lacerations, and punctures from 2014 to 2015. Workers who saw the sharpest increase were freight, stock, and material movers, maintenance and repair workers, and cleaners/janitors.
Remember: Workers who have suffered all types of injuries at work can seek workers’ compensation benefits. The accident does not have to be the fault of anyone in order to be covered. Even when the employee trips and falls by accident, he or she may still be eligible for workers’ comp benefits. It is advisable to speak to an attorney to discuss specific circumstances and legal options.
Free attorney consultation: Call the law firm of Kampf, Schiavone & Associates at 909-885-1522.
