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2024: Top 10 Workplace Injuries/Illnesses and Controls

Michael Matthew

2024 Top 10 Article by SAFETY.INC
2024 Top 10 Article by SAFETY.INC

Based on the latest data available for 2024, here are the top 10 workplace injuries and illnesses in North America, along with their common causes and recommended control measures:


  1. Overexertion Involving Outside Sources

    • Causes: Activities such as lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, carrying, or throwing objects.

    • Control Measures:

      • Ergonomic Training: Educate employees on proper lifting techniques and body mechanics.

      • Mechanical Aids: Provide equipment like forklifts, hoists, or conveyors to reduce manual handling.

      • Job Rotation: Implement rotating tasks to prevent repetitive strain.


  2. Falls on the Same Level

    • Causes: Slips, trips, or falls due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, or obstacles.

    • Control Measures:

      • Housekeeping: Maintain clean and clutter-free work areas.

      • Flooring: Install slip-resistant flooring and ensure prompt spill cleanup.

      • Footwear: Require appropriate, slip-resistant shoes.


  3. Falls to a Lower Level

    • Causes: Falls from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or other elevated areas.

    • Control Measures:

      • Fall Protection Equipment: Use harnesses, guardrails, and safety nets.

      • Training: Educate workers on safe practices when working at heights.

      • Equipment Inspection: Regularly check ladders and scaffolding for defects.


  4. Struck by Object or Equipment

    • Causes: Falling tools, materials, or equipment; vehicle strikes.

    • Control Measures:

      • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide hard hats and high-visibility clothing.

      • Securing Objects: Ensure tools and materials are properly secured.

      • Safety Protocols: Establish exclusion zones around hazardous areas.


  5. Other Exertions or Bodily Reactions

    • Causes: Bending, crawling, reaching, twisting, or slipping without falling.

    • Control Measures:

      • Ergonomic Assessments: Adjust workstations to promote neutral postures.

      • Employee Training: Teach proper movement techniques to minimize strain.

      • Task Design: Redesign tasks to reduce awkward movements.


  6. Roadway Incidents Involving Motorized Land Vehicles

    • Causes: Vehicle collisions during work-related travel.

    • Control Measures:

      • Defensive Driving Courses: Provide training to enhance driving skills.

      • Vehicle Maintenance: Ensure regular inspection and maintenance of vehicles.

      • Rest Periods: Implement schedules that prevent driver fatigue.


  7. Slip or Trip Without Fall

    • Causes: Loss of balance due to slippery or uneven surfaces without resulting in a fall.

    • Control Measures:

      • Surface Maintenance: Repair uneven flooring and address slippery areas promptly.

      • Lighting: Ensure adequate illumination in all work areas.

      • Signage: Use warning signs to indicate potential hazards.


  8. Caught In/Compressed by Equipment or Objects

    • Causes: Body parts caught in machinery or compressed by objects.

    • Control Measures:

      • Machine Guarding: Install guards on moving parts of machinery.

      • Lockout/Tagout Procedures: Ensure machinery is de-energized during maintenance.

      • Training: Educate workers on the dangers of loose clothing and jewelry around machinery.


  9. Struck Against Object or Equipment

    • Causes: Walking into doors, desks, machinery, or other stationary objects.

    • Control Measures:

      • Workspace Layout: Design work areas to minimize obstacles.

      • Awareness Training: Encourage mindfulness of surroundings.

      • Protective Gear: Use appropriate PPE to mitigate injuries.


  10. Repetitive Motions Involving Microtasks

    • Causes: Performing the same motions repeatedly, leading to strain injuries.

    • Control Measures:

      • Ergonomic Tools: Provide equipment designed to reduce strain.

      • Task Variation: Alternate tasks to use different muscle groups.

      • Rest Breaks: Schedule regular breaks to allow for muscle recovery.


Implementing these control measures can significantly reduce the incidence of workplace injuries and illnesses, promoting a safer and more productive work environment.


Questions:


  • Which of these workplace injuries surprised you the most, and why?

  • What safety measures have been most effective in your workplace? Share your experiences!

  • Have you ever experienced or witnessed one of these injuries? What could have been done differently to prevent it?




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