Different jobs come with different risks but may overlap when it comes to the injuries employees may suffer on the job. Normal sprains and strains, for example, can happen at nearly any job, even those that aren’t particularly physically demanding. Workers compensation can <pay for employee injuries>, but it’s important to be aware of the common workers compensation claims so that your business can do its best to prevent them.

These claims are most common, but not necessarily the most threatening. The leading cause of fatal workers compensation claims are related to transportation and motor vehicles, for example, but this cause isn’t the most common.

1. Sprains, Strains and Pulls

The most common workers compensation claims often come from the most basic accidents. A pulled muscle, torn tendon or overextension can happen in the blink of an eye and cause a lot of pain for an employee. These happen frequently due to lifting heavy boxes or equipment and other physical activities.

2.Slips and Falls

Slips and falls happen all the time. If an employee trips because of a wet floor or icy walkway leading to the business, they’re likely to file a workers compensation claim if they sustain injuries such as breaks or fractures.

3. Electricity

Shocks and electrocution primarily happen to physical laborers such as contractors and construction workers, but they can happen in nearly any business. One faulty wire or light can cause a severe electric shock or burn. Electrocution can lead to serious issues such as cardiac arrest or nerve damage. It’s important for businesses to make sure everything is working properly and all electric wires are covered and secure.

 4.Falling Objects

Head injuries are unfortunately frequent and can be devastating. This type of injury can happen to office workers trying to get a box off the top shelf, restaurant workers being accidentally hit with a piece of equipment, etc. 

5. Vehicle Related Incidents

Transportation is the leading cause of fatality-related workers compensation claims. If one of your delivery drivers gets severely injured in a wreck while on a delivery, they or a family member will likely want to file a workers compensation claim. In the case of death, workers compensation benefits will go to the surviving family member, usually in a lump sum to pay for funeral costs and other death-related expenses. 

Although you keep your employees as safe as possible, it’s important to have a reliable workers compensation policy in case of an accident.