What Are the Most Common Types of Work Injuries in Illinois?
Workplace injuries are a significant concern across industries in Illinois. Every day, employees face various hazards that can result in injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to severe bone fractures and electrocution. Here’s what you need to know about the most common types of work injuries in Illinois, as well as what you can do if you find yourself the victim of one.
Overexertion Injuries
Overexertion injuries often result from lifting, pulling, pushing, or carrying heavy objects. They’re among the most common workplace injuries, and employees in the construction, manufacturing, warehousing, and shipping industries are especially susceptible to them.
Repeated physical tasks can also lead to strains or sprains, particularly in the back, neck, and shoulders. However, proper lifting technique training, ergonomic workplace improvements, and equipment, such as forklifts, can reduce the frequency of overexertion injuries.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls are common in almost every industry, from offices to construction sites. Wet floors, uneven surfaces, cluttered walkways, and poor lighting are among the leading contributors to these accidents. While slips, trips, and falls can result in minor injuries like bruises, they also often cause severe injuries like broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.
Falls from heights, particularly on construction sites, are a leading cause of serious injuries in Illinois. In fact, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are the number one cause of construction site fatalities. Employers must make sure their workers have safety equipment like guardrails and personal fall arrest systems when working at heights.
Struck-By and Caught-In/Between Incidents
Struck-by and caught-in/between incidents are also among the leading causes of worker fatalities on construction sites. These injuries occur when falling objects, equipment, or vehicles strike workers or workers get caught in or between pieces of machinery, leading to crushing injuries.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Repetitive motion injuries develop over time due to workers performing repetitive tasks, such as typing, assembling products, or operating machinery. Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and bursitis are some common examples of repetitive stress injuries.
These injuries don’t only affect workers in physically strenuous jobs. Office workers are just as likely to develop a repetitive stress injury from sitting at a desk for extended periods.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents can be workplace incidents for employees who drive as part of their job, such as delivery drivers, truck drivers, or salespeople. These accidents can lead to severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries.
Occupational Illnesses
In addition to physical injuries, some workers in Illinois may develop occupational illnesses, such as respiratory conditions, hearing loss, vision loss, and skin disease. These illnesses often result from long-term exposure to harmful substances like asbestos, chemicals, or loud noises.
Contact an Illinois Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you suffered an on-the-job injury in Illinois, contact Johnston Law Offices P.C. for a free consultation with one of our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys. We’ll review your case and walk you through how you can seek compensation for your injuries through a workers’ comp claim.