A couple days ago, my friend told me a story about a gardener in a garden service that was cutting up a tree that had fallen across the client’s driveway, and somehow had gotten sap from the tree in both his eyes. He was quickly rushed to the doctor. Luckily a simple saline solution cleared up his eyes in no time, “but what if it was more serious, what if it was critical? How can I make sure that my employees are covered in an emergency?” My friend asked me. This got me thinking, what do employers and employees know about  workplace accidents?

In any type of working environment workplace accidents can occur. When one mentions workplace accidents, the construction industry or the factory industry comes to mind. However, every industry has its own unique risks and workers in every industry can become a victim of an accident.

We, at JSib, have asked around and have compiled a list of the most common workplace accidents that occur. While these are some of the most common accidents, we have heard of some very bizarre, freak accidents.

6 of the most common workplace accidents:

1. Office Accidents

You might think that working in an office is one of the safest places you can be, however this is not true. In fact, injuries are often sustained in office environments. Some of the most common being: tripping over wires, repetitive motion injuries, muscle strains and back injuries. Yup, back pain is high up on the list of injuries and amongst the most common.

2. Mining Accidents

Miners are six times more likely to get injured  than any other profession. Miners work hundreds of metres below the surface with heavy machinery and explosives.

3. Construction Accidents

Construction sites are inherently dangerous. Heavy equipment, hazardous materials and elevated heights often cause serious accidents on construction sites.

4. Hospital Accidents

Hospital workers are not only susceptible to standard accidents such as slipping and falling, but are also at risk of other types of accidents in the healthcare industry. For example, nurses and doctors can contract diseases or illnesses from their patients. Additionally, workers can suffer injuries to the back, neck, knee or hip when manoeuvring a patient. Freak accidents happen more often than you think. Stabbing oneself with a used needle, cutting oneself with a surgical instrument. This really happens.

5. Slip & Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are the most common incidences that occur in the work place, according to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) and further more to people aged 55 and over. Slipping and falling is the leading cause of occupational injury. These accidents can happen in any work environment and the injuries sustained can range in severity. Some of the most common types of injuries suffered in slip and fall accidents include fractures, sprains, knee injuries and hand or wrist injuries.

6. Warehouse & Factory Accidents

Warehouse and Factory workers are often subject to dangerous working conditions. Unfortunately, these dangerous working  conditions can result in serious accidents and injuries.

But do not worry!  We, as insurance brokers, are very knowledgeable on exactly what insurance your employees need and whether it is group personal insurance, workman’s compensation or stated benefits. If you need to be steered in the right direction,  give us a buzz.

Next week, we’ll share the difference types of employee coverage, like group personal insurance, workman’s compensation and stated benefits. You’ll be surprised with the rights you, as an employee, has and the benefits you can claim.