The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there were 2.8 million nonfatal workplace sicknesses and injuries among workers in the private industry in 2019. When you think of industries where people are likely to get injured, you probably think of construction (listed as one of the most dangerous ones that same year by the National Safety Council) or manufacturing.
An office environment probably did not come to mind as a risky one. However, office workers are also vulnerable to certain injuries that may qualify them to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits.
1. Injuries from slipping and falling
A wet floor may cause you to slip and hit your head or break a bone. It is also easy to trip over a cord or other item on the floor or get your foot caught in a loose board or frayed carpeting and fall, hurting yourself. Workplaces may minimize the risk of such occurrences by removing trip hazards and cleaning up spills immediately.
2. Injuries from haphazardly placed objects
Heavy objects pose a risk because they may slide off of high shelves onto your head or foot. Unsecured shelving and wall pieces are also dangers.
3. Injuries from repetitive movements
Office workers often have to make the same wrist and hand motions over and over again when performing their tasks, such as typing. The muscles and tendons may end up strained because of this. Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinosis and degenerative arthritis are examples of repetitive motion injuries.
4. Injuries from lifting
Lifting too much weight may cause you to strain muscles. Having to repeatedly pick up boxes or equipment may also lead to back or neck injuries.
Office workers are also exposed to risks at work and have a right to workers’ compensation just like those in other industries.