2023’s Costliest Workplace Injury Causes: Overexertion Takes the Lead
Introduction:
According to the 2023 Workplace Safety Index (WSI) by Liberty Mutual Insurance, overexertion involving outside sources is the leading cause of workplace injuries in terms of cost. This annual report examines the top 10 causes of serious workplace injuries that resulted in more than five missed workdays. Overexertion involving outside sources costs employers $12.8 billion annually, making it the costliest injury. Other costly injury causes include falls on the same level, falls to a lower level, and struck by object accidents. These injuries collectively cost businesses over $1 billion per week and more than $58 billion per year. New additions to the list include exposure to harmful substances and vehicle crashes involving pedestrians.
Full Article: 2023’s Costliest Workplace Injury Causes: Overexertion Takes the Lead
Overexertion from Outside Sources Tops List of Costliest Workplace Injury Causes in 2023
A new report from Liberty Mutual Insurance reveals that overexertion involving outside sources is the leading cause of costly workplace injuries in 2023. The Workplace Safety Index (WSI) by Liberty Mutual examines the top 10 causes of serious disabling injuries that result in more than five missed workdays. These causes are ranked based on their direct cost to employers, including medical expenses and lost wages.
Overexertion: The Costliest Workplace Injury Cause
The 2023 WSI states that injuries from overexertion involving outside sources account for $12.8 billion annually, making it the largest contributor to the overall $48.2 billion spent on the top 10 injuries in workers’ compensation. Overexertion injuries occur when employees push, lift, carry, or pull heavy objects, leading to muscle strains, sprains, or other musculoskeletal injuries.
The Top 10 Costliest Injury Causes
In addition to overexertion, the following causes rank among the top 10 costliest workplace injuries:
- Falls on the same level
- Struck by object or equipment
- Falls to a lower level
- Other exertions or bodily reactions
- Roadway incidents involving motorized land vehicle
- Exposure to other harmful substances
- Slips or trips without a fall
- Caught in or compressed by equipment or objects
- Repetitive motions
These injuries collectively cost U.S. businesses more than $1 billion per week, amounting to over $58 billion per year. The majority of these injuries are due to incidents related to the top 10 causes listed above.
New Additions to the List
The 2023 WSI reveals that exposure to other harmful substances and vehicle crashes involving pedestrians have made their debut on the list. Exposure to harmful substances, previously ranked 18th in the 2022 WSI, has now moved up to the sixth spot in 2023 since COVID-19 data has become available.
Vehicle crashes involving pedestrians are prevalent in occupations such as sales and truck driving, material moving, food service, distribution management, retail sales, building cleaning and maintenance, and protective services. These occupations were likely affected by the challenges posed by COVID-19 on the U.S. supply chain, industrial hygiene practices, security measures, and novel delivery or parking-lot operations.
The 2023 WSI highlights the importance of addressing and preventing these costly workplace injuries to safeguard employees’ well-being and reduce financial burdens on employers.
Summary: 2023’s Costliest Workplace Injury Causes: Overexertion Takes the Lead
According to the 2023 Workplace Safety Index (WSI) by Liberty Mutual Insurance, overexertion involving outside sources is the leading cause of costly workplace injuries. This accounts for $12.8 billion annually, the largest portion of the $48.2 billion spent on the top 10 injuries in workers’ compensation. Other costly injury causes include falls on the same level, falls to a lower level, struck by object or machinery, and roadway incidents involving motorized land vehicles. These injuries cost U.S. businesses over $1 billion per week, emphasizing the importance of workplace safety measures. New additions to the list include exposure to harmful substances and vehicle crashes involving pedestrians.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Frequently Asked Questions About Overexertion Tops 2023 List of Costliest Workplace Injury Causes
1. What is overexertion?
Overexertion refers to the excessive use of physical strength or energy beyond what the body can handle. It often occurs when an individual pushes themselves too hard, resulting in strain or injury to muscles, tendons, ligaments, or even internal organs.
2. What are the common causes of overexertion in the workplace?
Some common causes of overexertion in the workplace include lifting or carrying heavy objects, repetitive motions, awkward postures, working in extreme temperatures, and engaging in prolonged physical activities without proper breaks or rest.
3. How does overexertion impact the workplace?
Overexertion can have a significant impact on the workplace in various ways. It often leads to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and decreased employee morale. Additionally, it can result in higher workers’ compensation costs and increased medical expenses for employers.
4. What are the costs associated with overexertion injuries?
Overexertion injuries can be extremely costly for employers. They can lead to medical expenses for treatment and rehabilitation, workers’ compensation claims, lost wages due to employee absences, recruitment and training costs for replacement workers, and potential legal fees if disputes arise.
5. How can employers prevent overexertion injuries in the workplace?
Employers can take several measures to prevent overexertion injuries in the workplace. These include providing proper training on safe lifting and carrying techniques, implementing ergonomic workstations, encouraging regular breaks and rest periods, promoting physical fitness and wellness programs, and conducting risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hazards.
6. What can employees do to reduce the risk of overexertion injuries?
Employees can play an active role in reducing the risk of overexertion injuries by practicing proper lifting techniques, using assistive equipment when available, taking regular breaks to rest and stretch, maintaining physical fitness and strength, and promptly reporting any discomfort, pain, or signs of fatigue to their supervisors.
7. Are overexertion injuries covered by workers’ compensation?
Yes, overexertion injuries are typically covered by workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation provides medical benefits, wage replacement, and rehabilitation services for employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. However, it is important to report the injury to the employer and follow the necessary procedures to ensure proper coverage.
8. Can overexertion injuries be prevented entirely?
While it may not be possible to prevent overexertion injuries entirely, employers and employees can work together to significantly reduce the risk. By implementing proper safety measures, providing training and education, and promoting a culture of wellness and injury prevention, the occurrence of overexertion injuries can be greatly minimized.
9. What are some common signs and symptoms of overexertion?
Common signs and symptoms of overexertion include muscle pain or strain, fatigue, reduced strength or flexibility, swelling, tenderness, difficulty in performing tasks, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, more serious conditions such as heat stroke or heart problems. It is important to pay attention to these symptoms and seek appropriate medical attention if needed.
10. How important is early intervention in overexertion injuries?
Early intervention is crucial in overexertion injuries to prevent exacerbation of the condition and promote faster recovery. By seeking medical attention promptly, employees can receive proper diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, which can aid in preventing long-term complications and reducing the overall impact on both the individual and the workplace.
