The Most Common Workplace Injuries

Medico legal specialists know that the workplace is often dangerous and can cause many injuries. Even offices, which seem relatively safe, can be dangerous if some things are not taken care of. If you’re wondering what are the most common workplace injuries, read on.

Photo: Nikita Kashner

Fall-related injuries Falls can either happen from heights (as much construction workers building skyscrapers as painters working on walls or even filing clerks on steps) or on the same level (slipping on the floor for example).


Falls cause a variety of problems ranging from strains and sprains to brain injuries and even death.   While a sprain or strain is usually temporary and can last from a few days to a few weeks, sometimes the injury is more serious and requires weeks and even months of recovery. Some may be handicapped for life or die as a result of their injuries.

Exertion-related injuries
Injuries may also come from physical exertion. This type of injury is generally called “overexertion”. They happen because of pulling, pushing, lifting, carrying or holding heavy objects. Tossing or placing the object may also cause an injury.

The injuries related to overexertion are usually to the back, but they may also happen in the legs, neck or arms. Musculoskeletal disorder is the general term for any injury to muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage or spine. These injuries can take longer to heal than other types of injuries.  

Object-related injuries
Things falling from above without warning can cause serious injuries, even death. A worker can also strike a table, desk, piece of equipment or other object that’s in his or her way.   Object-related injuries can cause problems as mild as a bruise or as severe as disability and death. Construction sites are especially dangerous for falling or moving objects.

Repetitive motion injuries
These injuries may take a long time to appear—years sitting at a desk typing or repeating the same movement on an assembly line. The strain to the muscle or ligament may not appear at first, but by repeating the same action every single day a worker can seriously impair his or her working abilities.

These injuries may cause problems to joints like wrists, elbows and knees. Recovery depends on the severity of the injury and if the motion can be changed or the posture corrected.

Road injuries
Getting in an accident while driving for business also counts as a workplace injury. Traveling representatives and truckers are especially susceptible to road accidents, especially if they have to drive long hours.   

Obviously road accidents can cause injuries as mild as bruises and cuts and as grave as dismemberment and death.

These are some of the most common workplace injuries reported by workplace safety organizations. In order to get compensation, an independent medical opinion is often required. Both the victim and the business may request an opinion by a qualified medical professional. Implementing simple measures that will keep workers healthy and safe can prevent most of these injuries.