Some of the most common causes of workplace accidents can happen in a variety of industries. This article takes you through some of the more common accidents in the workplace across the board.
Below, we’ve included information and statistics regarding common accidents at work of varying severity.
It’s important to bear in mind that we’ve only addressed common types of workplace accidents. There will be other instances of a more obscure nature that we have not mentioned in this article.
Feel free to get in contact if you have any questions.
What Are The Most Common Accidents In The Workplace?
Certain workplace incidents must be reported by law to a government body called the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). This is a legal requirement created by the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR).
These reportable incidents include (but are not limited to):
- Fractures (Other than to the thumbs, fingers, or toes).
- Amputations.
- Electric shock injuries.
- Crush injuries affecting the internal organs.
- Asphyxia or head injury-induced loss of consciousness.
- Serious burns to more than 10% of the body.
Most Common Accidents In The Workplace That Are Not Fatal
Workplace injuries fall into two main categories – fatal and non-fatal. The causes of non-fatal injuries are numerous. However, some are more common than others.
We’ve included some of the most common non-fatal injuries according to the HSE in the list below. The statistics shown are taken from the accidents recorded under RIDDOR in 2021/22:
- Slips, trips and falls on the same level – 30%
- Handling, lifting or carrying – 11%
- Struck by a moving object – 11%
- Acts of violence – 9%
- Falls from a height – 8%
These figures account for 69% of reported non-fatal workplace injuries. In other words, they were the most common accidents in the workplace over that period. Other scenarios combined made up just 31%.
What Are The Most Common Injuries At Work That Result In Death?
Some workplace accidents can be so severe that they cause fatalities. Fatal workplace injuries can occur in a variety of industries. According to the HSE, the most workplace deaths in 2022/23 occurred in the construction industry. There were 45 workplace deaths in construction over this period.
The causes of workplace deaths varied over this same stretch of time. Here are the overall figures for all industries:
- Falls from a height – 40
- Struck by a moving object – 29
- Struck by a moving vehicle – 20
- Trapped by something collapsing/overturning – 12
- Contact with moving machinery – 9
The figures combine to total 110 workplace fatalities for 2022/23. As you can see, falling from a height was the most common type of workplace accident that resulted in the death of an employee.
How Common Accidents At Work Could Affect Your Life
The impact of an accident at work could affect your life in various ways. In this section, we explore them in more detail.
Physical Pain
With injuries at work, periods of pain and discomfort as you recover are common. Accidents at work can result in injuries such as fractures, for example. A broken bone will often be painful during the accident, but also in the weeks and months that follow as the bone heals.
Mental Suffering
Physical injuries can also bring with them psychological harm. Depression and anxiety disorders could develop, as well as other conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Living with these conditions can be just as debilitating as living with physical injuries.
It’s also possible that your mental health could be affected even if you are not physically injured. For example, you could be involved in a near miss. Coming so close to sustaining a serious injury can be distressing, and the experience could stay with you for a long time.
Grief
This is relevant when you have lost a loved one due to injuries caused by a workplace accident. Although you may not have been injured by (or even present at) the incident, fatal accidents can be an emotionally tolling experience for those left behind.
Personal Injury Claims
In the aftermath of certain common accidents at work, you may be able to make a personal injury claim for compensation. However, experiencing an injury at work does not necessarily mean you’re eligible to make a workplace injury claim. There are certain criteria that must be met in order for you to be eligible to do this.
More On The Most Common Accidents In The Workplace
You hopefully now have a greater understanding of some of the workplace accidents that occur on a more regular basis.
Remember, you are more than welcome to get in contact if you want to know more or have any questions.