The Top 5 Workplace Accidents With Statistics
Some scary statistics will make you think about how dangerous work actually is (and maybe want to quit). 2.93 million workers died as a result of work-related accidents and diseases in 2024. In 2023, there were 946,500 nonfatal injuries and illnesses resulting in days away from work. It’s risky business getting out of bed and going to work! From workplaces not providing the correct PPE, like safety glasses, to outright dangerous work environments, it’s time to analyze the most common workplace accidents and why they’re happening. Read on to find out more.
Overexertion and Bodily Reaction
Let’s start with the most common cause of workplace accidents—overexertion and bodily reactions.
These cases resulted in an astronomical figure of 1,001,440 DART (Days Away from Work). The main cause is activities like lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy items. Most of you reading this might have experienced this and not even classed it as a workplace injury.
Even if you didn’t have time off work but still felt a strain in your back, for example, it’s a workplace injury. Even repetitive motions like typing or working machinery over time cause strain, resulting in injuries like sprains and strains. Again, it’s not something people think about as a workplace injury, but it is.
The severity of these incidents was reflected by the fact that more than 52% were associated with days away from work (DAFW).
Industries like transportation and warehousing are particularly hazardous for those aged between 45-64 years old. On average there are 14 days off due to these injuries. Employers must introduce ergonomic training programs alongside appropriate tools for manual tasks so as to avoid risks. Still, we don’t think they will.
Contact with Objects and Equipment
Contact with objects and equipment was responsible for 780,690 cases in 2021-2022, becoming one of the most common workplace hazards. This type of workplace risk involves cases like being struck by moving objects, bumping into immovable equipment, or getting caught in machinery. If you’re in an office job, this one doesn’t apply to you as much.
Specific scenarios include:
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Workers are being hit by falling tools.
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Various body parts are caught between objects that crush or pinch them.
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Employees crash into desks, shelves, or heavy machinery.
The result can be fractures and in some cases amputations. Such accidents are more common in industries like manufacturing and construction. To avoid this, employers should enforce stringent safety protocols, proper tool storage, and enough protective clothing. And even more importantly, employees should follow the rules.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Falls rank third. Statistics show slips, trips, and falls resulted in 674,100 cases. Basically, slip-and-trip incidents can take place everywhere, starting from construction sites to offices. Water on floors, uneven ground, and loose rugs are some of the common causes. We’re surprised they’re not more common than these statistics show.
Falls are categorized into:
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Slips and trips without falling: Workers save themselves before hitting the floor.
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Falls on the same level: Objects tripped over or slippery surfaces fallen upon.
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Falls to a lower level: Falling off ladders, scaffolding, or elevated work platforms.
Such occurrences usually lead to sprains, fractures, or even worse, and elderly employees are more vulnerable. Some simple preventive measures, like having clear pathways, prompt response to spillage, and use of proper signage, can go a long way in minimizing such incidences.
Exposure to Harmful Substances or Environments
Coming in third is exposure to harmful substances or environments. This scenario resulted in 658,240 DARTs.
This category covers a wide range of hazards, including:
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Diseases caused by infection (e.g., COVID-19).
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Chemicals that are poisonous on contact.
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Extreme temperatures, radiation, or electrical hazards.
Some employees are more susceptible to exposure, especially in the healthcare sector, while others working in agriculture or transportation are also at risk. Such risks can be addressed through the development of strong safety policies and personal protective apparel supported by constant training for staff members.
Violence and Other Injuries by Persons or Animals
Workplace violence is one of the least frequent categories, although it is a major concern, with about 85,410 cases reported. These involve physical fights between colleagues, animal injuries, and other violent occurrences typically involving customers.
In the healthcare and social assistance fields, workplace violence prevails as workers often deal with volatile personalities. The employers must establish measures to resolve conflicts in case there are any, train on de-escalation skills, and ensure safety in the workplace.
How Employers Can Prevent Workplace Accidents
So many accidents can be prevented – the responsibility is a mix of the managers and the employees. Managers have legal and ethical responsibilities towards their staff members. They involve:
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Doing thorough risk assessments to determine possible hazards.
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Offering proper training on equipment usage and safety procedures.
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Providing enough PPE kits and regularly servicing equipment.
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Encouraging employees to promptly notify about risks so that a safe work culture is promoted.
Millions of workers every year suffer from workplace accidents that destabilize lives and businesses. It’s clear to see, from the statistics in the introduction, that workplace accidents are nothing to shy away from. Though such incidents are incidental, being cautious reduces their number and effect significantly.