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Workplace Injuries & Fatalities

Workplace injuries and fatalities are recorded daily in every area of employment. Businesses and corporate health and safety guidelines are put under tremendous strain in occupations that present life threatening hazards such as law enforcement, fire management, construction, utilities, mining and fishing. Job related injuries in transportation, retail and food service are not minimized. Any occupation is at risk for an injury as common as a slip and fall to a trauma resulting in hospitalization or death.

  1. Occupational Safety History

    • Under the OSH Act of 1970 (Section 5), the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide employees a workplace free of recognized hazards likely to cause serious physical harm or death and comply with the standards under the Act. Employees are to comply with orders issued accordingly which apply to his, or her, own behaviors.

      This general duty clause is the directive preceding outlines that include occupational health and safety standards, procedures, enforcement, penalties, programs, responsibilities, training, education, statistics, audits, research, separability and appropriations.

    Definition

    • An occupational injury is any injury such as a cut, fracture, sprain, amputation or other injury that results from a work accident or from a single exposure in the work environment, according to the National Safety Council. Workplace injuries should be reported according to the employer's health and safety procedures to record the incident and to ensure there is no delay in first-aid or emergency medical attention. Failure to do so may result in medical, legal or workman's compensation issues.

    Injury Range

    • Workplace injury levels vary, but those considered minor should not be disregarded. A paper cut can result in an infection requiring medical attention. Physical conditions that originate from the body, but may include brain or neurological conditions include:
      • Burns
      • Drowning
      • Eye injury
      • Hernia
      • Repetitive strain injury
      • Suffocation
      • Amputation
      • Homicide
      • Automobile accident

    Causes

    • Efforts to avoid occurrences involve compiling data from employer reports to identify hazards, frequency, and other conditions. This data is used by policymakers, researchers and safety professionals. Distinct industries offer an increased threat that a workplace incident may occur.
      High risk industries include:
      • Agriculture
      • Hospitals
      • Manufacturing
      • Foundries
      • Meat packing
      • Eating establishments
      • Drinking establishments
      • Shipbuilding
      • Supermarkets

    Injury Preventation

    • Workplace injuries typically are the result of element exposure, dangerous conditions and negligent work procedures. Follow safety rules for driving, lifting, carrying and operating equipment. If your job requires extended sitting, typing or repetitive tasks, take periodic breaks to stretch to avoid strain. Repetitive motion can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. Adhering to safety guidelines is critical in preventing injuries or accidents. If you are injured at work, report it immediately.

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