Most Common Workplace Injuries in Georgia

Every day, workers in Georgia experience a variety of workplace accidents and injuries. While the circumstances and details of these injuries are unique to each individual case, there are some injuries that are more common than others. The Workplace Safety Index is a list of the most common types of workplace injuries, compiled by researchers with the assistance and information provided by workers’ comp insurance providers. Following are the most common injuries that Georgia workers are likely to encounter, according to this index.

1) Overexertion Injuries

Overexertion injuries typically occur in work environments where employees are required to use their strength to perform job duties. For example, any job tasks that involve heavy objects where the employees must carry, push, pull, or otherwise maneuver those objects can result in overexertion of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of those workers. If you work with heavy objects, you might notice signs of an overexertion injury in strained back muscles, a sore arm or shoulder, or any soreness or tenderness in other muscles that you used to maneuver the weight. Many people don’t realize that these are signs of a serious overexertion injury, and may wait to see if the symptoms go away. Unfortunately, in many cases, these injuries only grow worse.

2) Slip/Trip and Fall Injuries

Whenever an employee slips or trips and falls in the course of work related activities, various injuries can occur. You might end up with bruises, lacerations, broken bones, strained muscles, or other injuries from the incident. Common causes of such injuries include spills that haven’t been cleaned up, wet or icy floors, and cluttered walkways. Falling down can be embarrassing, and many workers would prefer to walk it off and not draw too much attention to the incident. This can turn out to be a mistake when you take stock of your injuries.

3) Falling from Heights Injuries

Anyone who works in a building that has multiple levels or who works with heights can sustain injuries from falling to a lower level. This could be caused by falling down the stairs, falling from a ladder, falling from a roof, or falling from scaffolding, for example. This type of fall is more likely to result in broken bones and head injuries than slip/trip and fall accidents.

4) Object Impact Injuries

Many workplace injuries are caused by falling objects or running into an object. If an item falls from a higher level in the workplace, it could strike your head, your shoulders, your foot, etc. This can result in head injuries, broken bones, lacerations, bruising, and more. It is also common for workers to run into objects, like tables or workplace equipment, with similar injuries.

5) Work Related Driving Accident Injuries

When your job involves driving, you are just as much at risk of auto accident injuries as anyone else on the road. Auto accident injuries that work related can be very serious, and can involve an auto accident/personal injury claim in addition to workers’ compensation benefits.

6) Machinery and Chemical Accident Injuries

If you work in an environment that involves the use of machinery or chemicals, you can sustain very serious injuries if an accident occurs. You might get caught in or compressed by the machinery, you might be exposed to dangerous chemicals. These injuries are often caused by inadequate training or careless handling of the machinery and/or chemicals. These are among the most disabling of workplace injuries and can have permanent, life altering consequences.

7) Repetitive Motion Injuries

In any job that involves repetitive use of any part of your body, repetitive motion injuries can occur. For example, if your job involves typing, you are a risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome. If your job involves heavy lifting, then you are at risk of developing ongoing back problems or strains and sprains. These injuries can be difficult to pinpoint as having started on a particular day, so you must report them when you become aware of them.

8) Occupational Illness Injuries

If your job involves being in continuous contact with potentially harmful substances and conditions, you may end up developing an occupational illness. An example of this would be working in close contact with a substance like asbestos. Like repetitive motion injuries, occupational illness must be reported when you first become aware of symptoms.

If you have sustained a workplace injury from this list or something that isn’t covered here, the best thing you can do to ensure that you receive adequate compensation is to contact a dedicated Georgia workers’ compensation attorney at the Law Office of John B. Jackson for a free consultation. We’ll make sure that you take all the necessary steps and help you to navigate Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws to seek the benefits and compensation that you deserve and are entitled to.