What Are the Most Common Types of Workplace Injuries?

Workplace injuries affect organizations of every size and industry. They appear in offices and warehouses and are found at construction sites and healthcare facilities. While job tasks and environments vary widely, the majority of workplace injuries fall into a handful of predictable categories. Understanding how and why these injuries occur is the first step toward preventing them.

In this article, we spoke with Briotix Health expert, Stefan Schulz, to explore some of the most common types of workplace injuries. Schulz is a physical therapist by training and has worked in workplace ergonomics and injury prevention for over 20 years. He spoke with us about the real-world scenarios where injuries happen most often and shared practical ergonomic and safety solutions that can significantly reduce risk.

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1. Slips and Trips

Slips and trips are among the most frequent causes of workplace injuries and can occur in almost any environment. A slip happens when there is too little friction between footwear and the walking surface, while a trip occurs when the foot strikes an object or uneven surface.

Common scenarios

• Wet or freshly mopped floors in offices or healthcare settings
• Spilled liquids in break rooms or production areas
• Cords, cables, or clutter in walkways
• Uneven flooring, loose mats, or transitions between surfaces

Even minor slips or trips can lead to serious injuries, such as sprains, fractures, or head injuries especially if a worker falls awkwardly.

Prevention and ergonomic solutions

• Keep floors clean and dry with clear spill-response procedures
• Use non-slip flooring and mats in high-risk areas
• Secure cords and hoses away from walkways
• Ensure proper lighting so hazards are easy to see

Slip and trip prevention often comes down to consistency. Small hazards, when left unaddressed, can quickly turn into costly injuries.

2. Strains and Sprains

Strains (injuries to muscles or tendons) and sprains (injuries to ligaments) are some of the most common workplace injuries, particularly in physically demanding jobs. They often result from overexertion, improper lifting, or awkward postures.

Common scenarios

• Lifting heavy boxes in warehouses or distribution centers
• Pushing or pulling carts and equipment
• Reaching overhead or working in twisted postures
• Sudden movements to catch a falling object

These injuries don’t always happen in dramatic moments. Many develop gradually, worsening over time until pain or limited movement interferes with work.

Prevention and ergonomic solutions

• Provide ergonomic coaching on proper lifting and movement techniques
• Use mechanical aids smartly, such as lift tables, conveyors, or dollies
• Design workstations to minimize reaching, bending, and twisting
• Encourage early reporting of discomfort before it becomes an injury

Reducing strain-related injuries often requires matching the physical demands of the job to the capabilities of the worker. Schulz advises workers to "understand if you are able to change your exposure to that risk yourself. For example, are you able to utilize equipment to decrease your exposure to risk? Are you able to use your body in a different way that changes your exposure to risk?" And if you can't, he says workers should "bring this up to [their] supervisor, or a safety committee, or safety representative."

3. Falls (from Heights)

While slips and trips often occur on the same level, falls from heights tend to result in more severe injuries. These incidents are especially common in construction, maintenance, manufacturing, and warehousing environments.

Common scenarios

• Falling from ladders or scaffolding
• Working on roofs or mezzanines without proper protection
• Improper use of step stools or makeshift climbing solutions

Falls from heights can cause serious trauma, including fractures, spinal injuries, and head injuries.

Prevention and ergonomic solutions

• Use appropriate fall protection systems (guardrails, harnesses, safety nets)
• Train workers on safe climbing and working-at-height procedures
• Design tasks to minimize the need for elevated work when possible

Fall prevention is a critical safety priority and often requires a combination of engineering controls, training, and enforcement.

4. Cuts and Lacerations

Cuts and lacerations are common in environments where tools, machinery, or sharp materials are used. While many are minor, some can result in deep wounds, infections, or permanent damage.

Common scenarios

• Using knives or box cutters in shipping and receiving
• Handling sharp metal, glass, or packaging materials
• Rushing tasks or using dull or damaged tools

Cuts often happen when workers are fatigued, distracted, or under time pressure. "Injuries are going to happen. It’s important not to blame the victim, but to use it as an opportunity to make things better for others," says Schulz.

Prevention and ergonomic solutions

• Keep tools sharp and well-maintained to reduce slipping
• Install machine guards and safety features
• Wear appropriate PPE like cut-resistant gloves

Thoughtful tool selection and workstation design can significantly reduce hand and finger injuries.

5. Repetitive Motion Injuries

Repetitive motion injuries develop over time from repeated movements, sustained postures, or prolonged force. These injuries are common in both office and industrial settings.

"Don't ignore low grade pain and discomfort - address it as early as possible. It'll be harder to fix later."

Common scenarios

• Typing and mouse use without proper workstation setup
• Assembly line work with repeated hand or arm motions
• Prolonged gripping of tools or equipment
• Static postures, such as standing or sitting for long periods

Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and shoulder impingement often fall into this category.

Prevention and ergonomic solutions

• Conduct ergonomic assessments to optimize workstation design
• Adjust work height, reach distances, and tool grip sizes
• Incorporate task variation and job rotation
• Encourage microbreaks and stretching throughout the day
• Address discomfort early with ergonomic interventions

"Don't ignore low grade pain and discomfort - address it as early as possible. It'll be harder to fix later," says Schulz. Repetitive motion injuries are highly preventable when ergonomics is integrated into job design rather than treated as an afterthought.

Why These Injuries Matter

Beyond the immediate pain and disruption to workers, common workplace injuries have a huge amount of unseen effect. Injuries slow workers down leading to lost productivity, unexpected care results in higher workers’ compensation costs, increased turnover from employees who feel unsafe at work, and lower morale. Many of these injuries share a common root cause: a mismatch between the job demands and how the work is performed.

Schulz shared this advice for managers and safety teams:

“First, understand the risk. Employees should understand their work and the demands that work places on their bodies."

The first step to addressing injuries in the workplace is understanding what those injuries are and their causes. Building that knowledge up will improve your work and your workplace steadily over time.

By understanding the most common types of workplace injuries and the situations that cause them, organizations move from reactive responses to proactive prevention. They can create safer, healthier, and more productive workplaces for everyone.