Workplace Injuries 

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there were over $25 billion in workers compensation costs for workplace injuries in 2014. There were more than three million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported by private industry employers. 
 
In 2014, the leading workplace injuries were caused by overexertion and falls. Overexertion accounted for approximately $15 billion and falls accounted for slightly more than $10 billion. 
 
Overexertion 
 
The leading cause of reported workplace injuries was overexertion, usually related to lifting, carrying, holding, pushing and pulling, and throwing. Other types of overexertion injuries that were reported were due to sitting, standing, walking, stepping, crawling, kneeling, bending, reaching and twisting.  
 

Falls 
 
Statistics show that the second leading cause of workplace injuries was falls (to the same level). Data shows that most falls occurred in industrial related work sites, within buildings and outdoors. In Midwestern states, almost one-third of reported falls were linked to slip and falls on snow and ice during winter months. According to the Department of Labor statistics, winter-related claims for slip and fall injuries doubled between 2013 and 2014.  
 
Although overexertion and falls topped the list for workplace injuries in 2014, these were not the only types of injuries reported. Take a look at eight other common workplace injuries that accounted for billions of dollars in claims:  
 
1. Struck by a falling object or piece of equipment  
2. Falls to a lower level (off of a platform or second story)  
3. Other exertions (not listed in the leading causes)  
4. Roadway collisions or accidents involving motorized land vehicles  
5. Slipping or tripping injuries without a fall  
7. Repetitive stress injuries from daily workplace tasks  
8. Bodily injuries from being thrown against an object or piece of equipment  
 

Most workplace injuries last at least six days or longer, resulting in pain and lost time and wages for workers and slower production schedules for employers. Workplace injuries are forcing low-income workers into poverty and middle-income workers into financial hardship and debt. According to OSHA reports, workers are responsible for at least half of the cost of their own workplace injuries because workers’ compensation benefits cover only a fraction of the actual losses to injured workers.  
 
If you’re injured on the job and want to discuss your rights under workers compensation laws, contact a qualified workers compensation lawyer who can help you file a claim. To schedule a free consultation in the Iowa area, contact the law offices of James P. Hoffman.