Each year, over 4,500 American workers are killed on the job, while millions more sustain serious but non-fatal injuries.  Over 3.3 million employees suffer a workplace injury that will lead to permanent disability, pain, or other lasting effects.  Most workplace accidents are entirely preventable and occur as a result of an employer’s failure to maintain a safe work environment.

The following is a look at some of the most common types of workplace injuries in Mississippi and across the nation.  This list is intended to help employees stay safe and assist employers in identifying common areas of concern.

  • Slipping/Tripping Accidents: Slip, trip, and fall accidents are the number two cause of workplace injuries. These accidents occur when employees slip on wet or slick surfaces or trip over objects on the floor.  Employers have a duty to maintain a reasonably safe work environment in Mississippi, which includes keeping the work area free of known slipping and tripping hazards.
  • Overexertion Injuries: Overexertion injuries generally occur as a result of lifting, holding, carrying, pulling, throwing, or pushing activities at work.  These injuries are extremely common and the most expensive of all workplace accidents.  Overexertion injuries account for $3.4 million in benefit costs each year.
  • Falling from Heights: Falls that occur from heights include falls from ladders, roofs, stairways, and any other elevated surface.  Falling from heights accidents can be caused by slipping, tripping, or faulty equipment, to name a few possibilities.  Employers can reduce the risk of such accidents by ensuring employees use proper personal protection gear, training all employees thoroughly, and supervising employees with vigilance.
  • Reaction Injuries: Reaction injuries occur when an employee slips or trips but does not fall.  These injuries can cause body trauma, muscle damage, and other medical issues.  They are hard for an employer to prevent.
  • Falling Object Injuries: Objects that fall from roofs, ladders, shelves, or other elevated surfaces can cause serious injuries.  Head injuries most often stem from falling objects.  The use of proper personal protective gear, such as a hard hat, can greatly decrease the chance of serious employee head injuries.
  • Vehicle Accidents: Employees who drive as a part of their job can be involved in car or truck accidents.  Depending on the nature of the crash, serious or even fatal injuries can be inflicted.  Employers can diminish the chance of accidents by educating employees on safe driving practices and providing adequate training.
  • Machine Entanglement Injuries: Particularly in factories, employees can become trapped in machinery if their clothing, hair, fingers, shoes, feet, or any other object is entangled. The use of proper protective guards on machines and other safety equipment can diminish the risk of these serious injuries.
  • Repetitive Motion Injuries: Repetitive motion injuries develop slowly over time as a result of an employee repeating certain motions.  Carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, strained muscles, and vision problems are all examples of repetitive motion injuries.

Barrett Law PLLC: Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Attorneys of Excellence 

The Mississippi Workplace Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC have assisted injured workers across the state for over 75 years.  Our veteran team of workers’ compensation attorneys will fight to see that you receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, ongoing disability, and more in the event you are injured in the course and scope of employment.  For over 75 years, were have helped injured workers navigate the complex workers’ compensation maze towards a full recovery.  If you have questions about your workers’ compensation rights following an accident or need assistance with your workplace accident case, call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (800) 707-9577 to schedule your free consultation.