Pay Attention to Workplace Safety – What You Need to Know

The Department of Labor in the United States puts utmost importance to the safety of its workers. During the past years, efforts have been doubled by the department to properly educate employees on issues pertaining to workplace safety.

MAJOR INJURIES

Major injuries include workplace incidents that expose employees to major health risks, even death. The leading accounted major injury types include dislocation, fractures, crushing and amputations.

Fatal Injuries in the Workplace by Sector

There are specific job types where workers have higher chances of getting injured. Listed below are the most common workplace injuries by sector:

• Construction Sector. According to studies, the construction industry has the highest reported injury rate among all sectors.

• Marine Sector

• Manufacturing Sector. The manufacturing sector includes the following industries:

- Non-metallic Mineral Products Manufacturing

- Furniture Manufacturing

- Metalworking

- Manufacturing of Optical, Computer and Electronic Products

- Food Products Manufacturing

- Wood Products Manufacturing

- Petrochemical Products Manufacturing

- Other related manufacturing industries

• Vehicle Repair and Maintenance Sector

• Real Estate Sector

• Food and Accommodation Sector

• Engineering and Architectural Sector

• Telecommunications

• Business Support Sector

• Advertising

Most Common Types of Major Workplace Injuries:

• Dislocations, Crushing and Fractures

• Multiple Injuries

• Burns/Hypothermia

• Amputations

• Electric Current Exposure

• Paralysis

• Drowning or Asphyxia

• Concussion

• Blindness

MINOR INJURIES

Minor workplace is comprised of workplace incidents that don’t result in major harm to employees. The leading accounted minor injury types include bruises and cuts (41%), dislocations, crushing and fractures (26%) & strains and sprains (17%).

Most Common Types of Minor Workplace Injuries:

• Bruises and Cuts

• Dislocations, Crushing and Fractures

• Strains and Sprains

• Stings and Bites

• Burns

• Multiple Injuries

• Puncture Wound

• Concussion

Workplace Health and Safety

The United States of America has 3 agencies in the Department of Labor (DOL) that enforce and administer labor laws aimed to protect the health and safety of employees.

• Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA is responsible for regulating the health and safety conditions of employees in private industries. Almost all employees in the United States are under the authority of the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, except for select transportation employees, miners, self-employed and public employees.

• Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

The Fair Labor Standards Act includes rules that concern young workers employment, the ones who are below 18 years of age. This concerns jobs allowed for young workers, minimum age restrictions and number of days allowed for young employees. The Fair Labor Standards Act aims to protect the well-being of young workers in the United States.

• Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA)

The MSHA is responsible for enforcing and regulating the Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. This act includes the protection, health and safety of workers in the mining industry.

A lot of states in the United States implement safety rules in the workplace that transcend the requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act. For more details on workplace safety of the Department of Labor in your state, click here to learn more.