Understanding The Different Types Of Workplace Injuries And Ways To Prevent Them

If you are struggling with any injuries caused by work, don't worry. You’re not alone; many people are dealing with workplace injuries. However, even a minor injury can lead to serious health issues if not given appropriate care and attention. 

You might wonder what are the most common causes of injuries in the workplace, and generally speaking they can be summarised as - slips, falls, trips and overexertion. The good thing is, all these and other workplace injuries can be taken care of by proper treatment and precautions, and by adhering to Safe Work Australia’s guidelines. 

Let’s look a little further into these different types of workplace injuries and ways to prevent them. 

How Common Are Work-Related Injuries? 

Workplace injuries are surprisingly common. If you ask your colleagues or employees, they will surely come up with one or two injuries that occurred or began whilst working. 

An injury can of course affect not only the ability to work, but also a worker’s general lifestyle and since most people continue to work in pain, they end up developing long-term disabling effects from work-related injuries. 

What Are The Different Types Of Common Workplace Injuries? 

Workplace mishaps can cause various types of injuries, so what are the most common injuries in the workplace, and how can we help prevent them?

• Sprains, Strains and Tears 

These are common injuries to the muscles and ligaments.  Although it is not necessarily easy to always prevent them from occurring, it is always important to treat them as early as possible in order to minimise the possibility of more serious long term injury.

• General Sore and Pain 

Back pain and shoulder pain are other common types of injuries, especially for workers either doing desk jobs or lots of repetitive lifting.

• Slip, Trips, and Falls 

Workers can easily slip on wet floors, or trip on hazardous / partially built floors / surfaces for example, and any slip or trip can only too easily result in a fall. 

To prevent this type of incident, appropriate signs, boards or notices are required to make people aware of the situation / danger, and by following Safe Work Australia’s fall protection rules. 

• Strain And Overexertion 

Overexertion injuries and repetitive strain injuries can lead to severe long-term pain. These kinds of workplace injuries can be developed by: 

• Lifting, carrying and throwing heavy things
• Improper lifting technique
• Improper sitting posture
• Repetitive work without breaks
• Lifting heavy objects alone.

To avoid all these injuries, make sure to know your physical abilities and take breaks whilst working. Suppose you have any of these injuries. You should try our app with wearable sensors, LusioMATE. It has exciting and engaging physical therapy programs that can help improve these injuries. 

• Crashes And Collisions 

Workplace collisions and crashes often involve either a forklift on a worksite or workers visiting their clients' place of business in a motor vehicle (car, van or truck). 

To prevent such incidents, you should always prioritise your safety and follow the designated safety procedures in place at worksites to keep vehicles and people apart.  You should also follow all safety measures instructed by your employer or company, or mandated by law in the case of driving breaks etc.

• Exposure To Harmful Substances 

Many industries have the potential to expose people to harmful chemical substances that can cause serious health issues and injuries, whether it be to the eyes, hands or anywhere on the skin.  Other industries also carry the danger of excessive noise and the potential of damage and / or injury to the ears.  

To be protected from these serious injuries, it is always critically important to wear the appropriate protective gear for the workplace you are in.  This should be administered by your employer, and might include any combination of gloves, goggles, ear plugs / muffs and full protective suits. 

Lusio Rehab: Helping Improve Health Outcomes Through Technology

We hope the above gives you an easy to digest overview of what are the most common injuries in the workplace, how they can be caused, and what you can do to help prevent them. 

Remember, if you are dealing with pain or injuries, try our LusioMATE.  It’s a physical therapy ecosystem app with wearable sensors that connects to exergames to motivate you through tailormade exercise programs.  LusioMATE is designed to drive greater adherence to fine and gross motor physical therapy goals, both in clinic and as part of home therapy programs.  Should you find yourself with a work injury that is impacting either your everyday life and/or your ability to do your job, contact us today, and we can help work with your health care team to get you on the road to recovery.