Workers’ Compensation Injuries

Los Angeles Workers Comp Lawyers Discuss the
Top 10 Most Common Types of Workplace Injuries

Nobody ever expects to be injured on the job. And most reputable employers dedicate a large amount of time and money to educating employees on safe practices, and keeping facilities up to safety codes.

Tragically, though, accidents can happen to even the most diligent employees in the safest of workplaces. And, unfortunately, less scrupulous employers may “cut corners” on safety – resulting in injury or illness to their workers.

In fact, according to the National Safety Council, every seven seconds a worker is injured on the job in 2024. This means 510 employees are injured every hour in the united States and that 12,600 employees are injured every day. This totals approximately 4,600,000 worker injuries every year.

In this article the experienced Los Angeles area workers compensation lawyers at Cantrell Green discuss the most common workers compensation injuries in 2024 – as well as the occupations that file the most workers comp claims for each type of injury every year.

1) Overexertion

Lifting, pulling, pushing, moving or throwing something is surprisingly still the number 1 cause of workplace injuries, once again in 2024. According to the National Safety Council’s 2024 information, 33.54% of all workplace injuries are due to overexertion.

Rather than a catastrophic event – overexertion usually happens with day-to-day regular activity. When a muscle is pulled, a joint is forced to move beyond its typical range of motion, or too much weight is put on the spine (vertebrae) injury occurs.

According to a study from the Department of Labor “overexertion” is most commonly seen in workers compensation claims in factory and construction jobs.

2) Being Struck by an Object

Most people guess that this would be number one on the list of workplace injuries! However, it was previously behind slips and falls. But in 2024 the National Safety Council declared this the second most common cause of workplace accidents – reporting that 26% of workplace injuries involve contact with objects and equipment. This can include: being struck by or against an object or equipment; being caught in or compressed by equipment or objects; or, getting stuck, caught, or crushed in a collapsing structure equipment or material.

This injury occurs in almost any occupation. In offices and warehouses it most commonly happens when something falls off a shelf. It can also happen when an object is or dropped by another worker onto a worker at a lower level.

Retail workers and warehouse employees are the most likely to file a workers compensation claim for being struck by something – followed by construction workers. While office workers and factory workers top the list of workers filing workers compensation claims for being injured by falling into something.

3) Tripping or Slip and Falls

In 2024 the National Safety Council reports that trips and falls are the 3rd most common basis for work injury – accounting for 25.8% of all employee injuries. This includes both falls to a lower level and falls on the same level.

Slipping on wet floors around the workplace are a primary contributor to this type of injury. Falling on snowy walkways in outdoor employment also contributes to this. For this reason store clerks, security workers, and groundskeepers show the highest incidence of slip and fall work related injuries.

This also includes falling off a ladder, falling off a roof, or falling down a flight of stairs. Obviously roofers falling from a roof or construction workers slipping off a multi-level workspace are a greater risk for this. But did you know that teachers falling down stairs are also a large segment of employees injured by falling to lower levels?

4) Bodily Reaction to a Fall 

A bodily reaction to a fall is an injury that occurs when one trips or slips – but avoids falling – yet still sustains injury such as a twisted or sprained ankle.

This type of work related injury giving rise to a workers compensation claim is most commonly this is seen in police officers and nurses.

5) Highway Incident or Vehicle Accident

The more time an employee spends on the road for work, the greater the likelihood that they will eventually be involved in a highway or vehicle accident.

For this reason it is no surprise that truck drivers, traveling business representatives and police officers are most at risk for work related vehicle injuries. Traffic accidents involving work vehicles or during work duties can be covered under worker’s compensation.

6) Machinery Accidents

When one thinks of a “workplace injury” a machinery accident immediately comes to mind. But machinery accidents are only the 8^th most common form of workplace injury. Heavy machinery, however, can cause some of the most devastating and debilitating injuries – including crushing, mutilating or even death.

Obviously these injuries are only seen in employees where heavy machinery is used – including factory workers, or construction employees.

7) Repetitive Motion (Such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)

Many people forget that repetitive motion can cause serious injury in the workplace over time.  A repetitive injury is harder to prove – but can be painful and debilitating. Examples of repetitive motion causing injury include typing or using a mouse, sitting for prolonged periods, lifting boxes over-and-over, or performing tasks on an assembly line.

Common injuries from repetitive motions include Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and bursitis – all common RSIs caused by repetitive tasks.

Secretaries, data entry personnel and assembly line workers incur this type of workers compensation claim most often.

8) Cuts, Punctures, or Scrapes

Cuts, punctures, or scrapes are common injuries in many workplaces, especially those involving manual labor, machinery operation, or handling of sharp objects. Even seemingly minor injuries of this type can become infected and lead to further complications.

Workers in construction, manufacturing, food service, and healthcare are particularly susceptible to these types of injuries. Construction workers often deal with sharp tools, nails, and metal edges, while manufacturing employees may encounter machinery with moving parts. Food service workers frequently handle knives and other kitchen utensils, increasing the risk of cuts. Healthcare professionals face potential exposure to sharp medical instruments and needles during patient care.

9) Foreign Materials in Eyes

Foreign materials in the eyes, such as dust, debris, or chemicals, pose a significant risk in various occupational settings. Getting dust, debris, or chemicals in the eyes can cause irritation, scratches, or even vision problems.

Workers in construction, woodworking, metalworking, and laboratories are commonly exposed to airborne particles or hazardous substances that can enter the eyes. Additionally, individuals working outdoors, such as landscapers or agricultural workers, may encounter dust, pollen, or plant matter that can cause eye irritation or injury. Furthermore, employees in industries involving welding, painting, or chemical handling face potential exposure to fumes, vapors, or splashes that can harm the eyes.

10) Workplace Violence

Tragically, workplace violence takes the final spot on the list of most common workplace injuries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics more than 300 workers are killed in shootings while on the job annually. Robbers, coworkers and family members are typically assailants in workplace. Hundreds of others were maimed or disabled by violent assaults.

In addition to police and safety officers who are victims of workplace violence, retail workers (particularly in gas stations and convenience stores) may be the victim of a robbery motivated assault.

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