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Top 10 Culprits for Lost-Time Injuries
in 2000
What type of hazards are most likely to cause costly lost-time injuries?
These were the main culprits in 2000, according to the Bureau of Labor
Statistics:
- Floors and walkways--leading to slips and falls.
- Worker motions or positions--leading to repetitive motion disorders,
carpal tunnel syndrome, back injuries and being caught by, against or
between equipment.
- Containers--which can lead to lifting problems, back injuries and
other injuries caused by being struck by objects.
- Parts and materials--handling these objects can lead to overexertion,
sprains and strains.
- Vehicles--73,000 transportation crashes occurred in 2000, plus forklift
mishaps can involve pedestrians being hit and drivers caught between
equipment and containers.
- Machinery--causes many injuries, including amputations, where operators
are caught in equipment or struck by objects.
- Tools and instruments--mishandling can result in cuts and lacerations,
bruises and contusions, and sprains and strains.
- Healthcare patients--Overexertion in lifting is a big problem when
moving patients in and out of bends.
- Furniture and fixtures--heavy lifting and contact injuries are common
when handling these objects.
- Chemicals--exposures to harmful substances can lead to burns and eye
and hand injuries.
All of these hazards and their potential consequences are good topics
for training sessions.
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