Workplace injuries

Workplace injuries impact both employees and employers. Injured employees face potential physical, emotional, and financial harm. Employers face the direct costs of workplace injuries – medical care related to the accident and some portion of an injured employee’s pay – and the indirect costs such as hiring temporary employees, lost productivity, and quality disruptions.

The following is a list of disabling workplace injuries and measures to take to prevent them:

• OVEREXERTION injuries from lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, carrying, or throwing objects.
  • TAKE ACTION: Utilize equipment instead of manual labor when available. Take frequent breaks and rest when needed.
• SLIPS, TRIPS, and FALLs are among the most common causes of indoor and outdoor workplace injuries. Employees are at risk for sprains, strains, lacerations, or worse, especially if they fall into surrounding debris that could cause further harm.
  • TAKE ACTION: Ensure non-slip mats and rugs are in use, prioritize good housekeeping in your workplace, and repair or mark uneven walking surfaces.
• STRUCK BY OBJECT OR EQUIPMENT. Large equipment or materials stored vertically present a great risk for employees to be struck by falling objects or moving equipment.
  • TAKE ACTION: All overhead materials should be stored securely. Caution signs should be used, and proper PPE should be used when needed.
• CAUGHT IN/UNDER/BETWEEN injuries result from a person being squeezed, caught, crushed, pinched, or compressed between two or more objects or between parts of an object.
  • TAKE ACTION: Never place yourself in a dangerous area or position. Make sure that all guards and covers are positioned correctly and not damaged. Keep gloves and loose clothing away from moving parts.

For more information or questions about workplace injuries, please contact your supervisor or a Campus Life Safety & Regulatory Compliance team member.