Top 10 causes of accidents in the workplace and their costs

Workplace injuries can be extremely costly for small businesses and their employees. Serious, non-fatal workplace injuries now account for nearly $50 billion in U.S. workers’ compensation costs, according to the 2022 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index that reflects 2019 data.

Liberty Mutual found that overexertion is the leading cause of workplace injuries, followed by injuries related to falling. Knowing the most common workplace injuries and how to prevent them can have a significant impact on the safety of your employees and the longevity of your business. These are the top 10 causes of accidents and the average cost of the most common injuries:

1. Overexertion

Overexertion can happen with lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, carrying, or throwing objects. These injuries cost businesses $12.63 billion in 2019, or 21.76 percent of the overall national burden, according to the 2022 Workplace Safety Index.

To prevent injuries related to overexertion, be sure to provide your employees with ergonomic equipment and properly train them about safety involving physical tasks.

2. Falls on same level

Same-level falls can occur anywhere and happen to anyone at a workplace, which is why they’re so common. Loose wires, wet floors, or even a file cabinet drawer left open can cause people to trip or slip. These accidents accounted for $10.26 billion in workers’ compensation costs in the United States, or 17.67 percent of the total.

3. Struck by object or equipment

Being struck by a falling object or a piece of equipment is one of the leading causes of death in the construction industry, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and other industries aren’t immune from such accidents. Workers who are hit with flying pieces of equipment or machinery accounted for $5.66 billion in workers’ compensation costs, or 9.76 percent of the total.

4. Falls to lower level

Falling from a height, such as a ladder or a roof, to a lower surface can cause major injuries and even death. While not as common as same-level falls, they make up 8.73 percent of the total injury burden, resulting in $5.07 billion in overall costs.

Protect your employees from these accidents by providing them with the right kind of equipment and fall protection gear.

5. Other exertions or bodily reactions

Bodily reactions and exertions rank fifth on the Workplace Safety Index and are caused when a person is engaged in a strenuous effort or excessive physical motion. Repetitive actions are often the cause, so they can happen with just about any kind of job. These injuries cost businesses $4.01 billion, or 6.91 percent of the total injury burden.

6. Roadway incidents involving motorized land vehicles

Motorized land vehicles can include everything from trucks to motorcycles, and an incident can involve the driver, a passenger, or even a pedestrian. These injuries make up $3.59 billion of workers’ compensation costs in the United States, or 6.18 percent of the total.

7. Slip or trip without fall

Slip and trips happen when there’s a lack of traction between a person’s shoe and the walking surface. They can also occur when there’s an uneven surface or an unexpected change in flooring or steps. These accidents cost businesses $2.52 billion, or 4.34 percent of the total injury burden.

Proper housekeeping is key to avoiding employee injuries. Ensure floors are clean and that slippery surfaces are well-marked. Maintain well-lit and uncluttered areas, and make sure your employees are wearing proper shoes at all times.

8. Caught in or compressed by equipment or objects

This category makes up $2.19 billion, or 3.77 percent, of U.S. workers’ compensation costs. These accidents typically involve an employee having a body part crushed or caught by a workplace object or piece of equipment. Examples include workers caught by moving machinery or crushed between two heavy objects.

9. Struck against object or equipment

These accidents occur when a worker runs into an object or piece of equipment. For instance, an employee could bump into a low beam or collide with another person. This category accounts for $1.87 billion, or 3.22 percent, of the overall national burden.

Make sure your workplace has appropriate signage warning people of any risks, and perform regular inspections to ensure your work environment is safe.

10. Non-roadway incidents involving motorized land vehicles

This category includes injuries to vehicle occupants that occur off roadways, such as in a factory, field, or parking lot. The non-roadway category accounts for $1.39 billion, or 2.39 percent, of U.S. workers’ compensation costs.

To prevent these injuries, watch out for speed, terrain, and visibility.