10 Most Common Workers’ Compensation Claims: Understanding Workplace Risks

10 Most Common Workers’ Compensation Claims: Understanding Workplace Risks in Pennsylvania

At Complete Injury Care in Pottsville, PA, we understand the importance of workplace safety and injury prevention. Knowing the most frequent types of workers’ compensation claims helps both employers and employees take proactive steps to reduce injuries and foster safer workplaces across Pennsylvania. This guide highlights the top 10 common claims, their causes, and how to prevent them.

1. Overexertion Injuries

Overexertion is the leading cause of workplace injuries nationwide and in Pennsylvania. These injuries result from lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying, or throwing heavy objects.

Common scenarios include:

• Warehouse employees lifting heavy boxes

• Nurses moving and repositioning patients

• Construction workers handling building materials

Prevention strategies:

• Train proper lifting techniques

• Use mechanical aids like forklifts or dollies

• Encourage team lifting for heavy loads

2. Slips, Trips, and Falls

These injuries happen in almost every work environment, from offices to construction sites.

Common causes:

• Wet or slippery floors

• Uneven surfaces and poor lighting

• Loose cables or cluttered areas

Prevention strategies:

• Maintain flooring regularly and promptly clean spills

• Install adequate lighting

• Use non-slip mats in high-risk zones

3. Falls from Heights

Particularly frequent in construction but possible in many industries.

High-risk activities:

• Working on ladders or scaffolding

• Roof work and elevated warehouse platforms

Prevention strategies:

• Provide fall protection equipment and training

• Inspect ladders and scaffolds regularly

• Enforce safety protocols for working at heights

4. Struck by Objects

Injuries occur when workers are hit by falling or moving items.

Common scenarios:

• Items dropping from shelves

• Tools accidentally dropped from above

• Moving machinery or vehicles

Prevention strategies:

• Secure storage of elevated materials

• Use hard hats in hazardous zones

• Mark safety zones around equipment

5. Repetitive Motion Injuries

Also called repetitive stress or cumulative trauma disorders, these develop over time due to repeated actions.

Examples:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome in office workers

• Tendonitis on assembly lines

• Back strain in warehouse staff

Prevention strategies:

• Design ergonomic workstations

• Schedule regular breaks and job rotation

• Promote stretching and exercise programs

6. Machine Entanglement

Occur when clothing, hair, or limbs get caught in machinery, common in manufacturing and construction.

Prevention strategies:

• Implement proper machine guarding

• Enforce safety rules against loose clothing or jewelry

• Provide regular operator training

7. Vehicle-Related Accidents

Accidents involving company vehicles or workplace equipment like forklifts.

Common scenarios:

• Delivery driver collisions

• Forklift crashes in warehouses

• Construction vehicle accidents

Prevention strategies:

• Deliver comprehensive driver safety programs

• Keep vehicles and equipment well-maintained

• Use workplace traffic management plans

8. Workplace Violence

While less frequent, workplace violence is increasing in some industries.

High-risk sectors:

• Healthcare

• Retail

• Law enforcement

Prevention strategies:

• Provide de-escalation training

• Implement security controls and surveillance

• Establish clear reporting mechanisms

9. Exposure to Harmful Substances

Claims involve contact with toxic chemicals, radiation, or hazardous materials.

Common in:

• Manufacturing

• Healthcare

• Agriculture

Prevention strategies:

• Equip employees with proper PPE

• Enforce safety protocols for handling materials

• Regularly test air quality and maintain ventilation

10. Hearing Loss

Prolonged exposure to loud noise causes occupational hearing loss.

At-risk environments:

• Construction sites

• Manufacturing plants

• Airports

Prevention strategies:

• Provide hearing protection devices

• Implement noise reduction tactics

• Conduct regular hearing tests

The Broader Impact of Workplace Injuries

• Financial Costs: Work-related injuries cost the U.S. $171 billion annually in wages, medical expenses, and productivity losses.

• Human Toll: Injuries affect workers physically, emotionally, and financially, impacting families.

• Business Disruption: Injuries increase insurance premiums and cause productivity losses.

• Industry Variations: Injury types vary, e.g., overexertion is common in healthcare and warehousing; falls from heights in construction.

Building a Comprehensive Prevention Strategy

Employers can reduce risks by:

• Conducting regular workplace hazard assessments

• Offering role-specific safety training

• Investing in safety equipment and ergonomic tools

• Promoting a strong safety culture encouraging hazard reporting

• Supporting employee health and wellness initiatives

• Developing return-to-work programs for injured workers

• Analyzing incident data to identify improvement areas

• Staying current with safety best practices and technology

Conclusion

These top 10 workers’ compensation claims are largely preventable with proper attention and action. By understanding risks and implementing thorough prevention strategies, Pennsylvania employers help protect their workforce, reduce costs, and create safer, more productive workplaces. At Complete Injury Care in Pottsville, we support the health and well-being of the local workforce with expert treatment and guidance throughout recovery.