Overexertion and bodily reaction, often involving lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, carrying, or throwing, frequently lead to workplace injuries. These incidents can result in sprains, strains, tears, and other musculoskeletal disorders. For example, a worker might injure their back lifting heavy boxes improperly or develop carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive motions on an assembly line.
Understanding the prevalent causes of workplace injuries is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. By identifying and addressing these root causes, organizations can create safer work environments, reduce lost time due to injury, and minimize associated costs. Historically, workplace safety has evolved significantly, moving from a reactive approach focused on treating injuries to a proactive approach emphasizing prevention through ergonomic design, safety training, and hazard identification.