What are the Common Causes of Workplace Injuries?

Nearly 30,000 Kansas government and private-sector employees suffered nonfatal injuries in 2023. For 14,000 workers, the injuries were serious enough to warrant time away from work.

The one fact that these figures highlight is that no matter how seemingly safe a workplace is, incidents can happen, even when safety protocols are diligently followed. But some industries and job profiles have a higher risk of workplace injuries.

1. Automobile-Related Workplace Injuries

Transportation incidents accounted for nearly 37% of all occupational fatalities in the U.S. in 2023. The reality is that automobiles are used across virtually every industry, making auto collisions a common workplace hazard. The resulting injuries can range from minor cases of whiplash to severe, life-threatening conditions such as internal bleeding, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries.

Industries at higher risk include:

• Transportation and Trucking
• Construction

However, workers’ compensation claims may be denied if the vehicle was used for personal reasons, if the driver was intoxicated at the time of the incident, or if company driving policies were violated.

2. Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common causes of nonfatal yet serious workplace injuries. These incidents can result from a variety of hazards, including wet or uneven surfaces, poor lighting, loose rugs, or cluttered walkways. The injuries sustained can range from minor sprains to severe conditions such as head trauma or spinal injuries.

Industries where these incidents frequently occur include:

• Construction (accounting for nearly 40% of all construction-related fatalities)
• Retail
• Healthcare

However, employers may deny your claim if it’s found that you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, failed to wear proper footwear, or were engaged in horseplay at the time of the incident.

3. Overexertion and Repetitive Strain Injuries

If your job involves handling heavy objects or repetitive tasks, you may end up with nerve damage, joint inflammation, muscle and soft tissue tears, and chronic pain. Such injuries, although rarely fatal, can impact your ability to work and your quality of life. They are commonplace in sectors such as:

• Manufacturing
• Warehousing and transportation
• Construction
• Administration (repetitive injuries)

Despite how frequent such injuries are, employers often pin the damage on a pre-existing condition or on the worker’s failure to follow safety guidelines.

4. Falling Objects

You’re going about your workday when, without warning, an object falls from a shelf, storage area, or scaffolding. The impact can cause serious injuries, including concussions, fractures, and deep lacerations — or even prove fatal in severe cases.

Industries most commonly affected include:

• Warehousing
• Construction
• Retail

In these situations, insurance companies often try to deny claims by arguing that the worker failed to follow safety protocols — such as not wearing a hard hat or standing in a restricted area.

5. Machine-Related Injuries

If your job involves operating heavy machinery or industrial equipment, you face a high risk of serious injuries — such as crushed limbs, amputations, deep lacerations, or burns. These incidents can stem from equipment malfunctions, inadequate training, or bypassing safety features.

Industries where these injuries are most common include:

• Manufacturing
• Agriculture
• Construction
• Waste Management
• Landscaping and Groundskeeping

To avoid liability, employers or insurance companies may claim that the injury resulted from a lack of training or that the worker was at fault — for example, by operating the equipment incorrectly or disabling a safety feature.

6. Workplace Violence

It may be surprising to see workplace violence on this list. Most people assume only emergency service workers face such risks. However, the reality is far more concerning—employees in healthcare, retail, and social services are equally vulnerable.

Even more alarming is the fact that workplace violence-related injuries are projected to increase in the coming years. As it stands, violence already accounts for nearly 9% of all fatalities in the healthcare and social services sectors.

These statistics are undoubtedly troubling. Yet, they often don’t stop employers from denying compensation. Common arguments include claims that the worker provoked the attack, was off duty, or that the incident was a personal matter unrelated to the job.

The only silver lining to this dark and troubling cloud is that if you’ve suffered a workplace injury in Kansas, you are entitled to compensation.

Previously, the state had a cap of $155,000 on lifetime compensation for workplace injuries. However, a recent law change has increased the cap to $400,000. You may seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost weekly wages (up to a maximum of 75% of the average weekly wage in Kansas)
• Long-term or permanent disability

Of course, your employer and their insurance company will do everything they can to minimize your payout. However, you can counter this by working with an attorney experienced in handling workplace injury claims.

DeVaughn James Injury Lawyers has fought aggressively for the rights of injured workers in Kansas for decades. Call us anywhere in the state, just dial 8 (316,785,620) 888-8888 to get the help and representation you deserve.