Work injuries
Work injuries by body part and industry
By body part or condition
- Back injuriesStrains, disc problems and back pain from lifting, falls and long hours.
- Neck injuriesWhiplash, strains and neck pain from vehicle crashes, falls and desk work.
- Shoulder injuriesRotator cuff tears, strains and dislocations from overhead work and lifting.
- Knee injuriesMeniscus and ligament injuries, kneeling damage and falls.
- Hand & wrist injuriesCuts, crush injuries, fractures and repetitive strain in the hands and wrists.
- Foot & ankle injuriesSprains, fractures and crush injuries — from twisted ankles to forklift accidents.
- Head injuries & concussionConcussions and head injuries from falls, falling objects and assaults.
- Eye injuriesChemical splashes, flying debris, welding flash and other eye injuries.
- Hearing loss & tinnitusHearing loss and ringing in the ears from noise on the job.
- BurnsHeat, steam, oil, chemical and electrical burns at work.
- Cuts & lacerationsCuts and puncture wounds from blades, machines, tools and glass.
- Broken bones (fractures)Broken bones from falls, crush injuries and vehicle accidents.
- Repetitive strain injuriesCarpal tunnel, tendonitis and wear-and-tear from doing the same motion every day.
- HerniasHernias that show up after heavy lifting or straining at work.
- Chronic pain after a work injuryPain that lingers long after the original injury.
- PTSD & mental healthTrauma, anxiety and depression after a workplace accident or assault.
- Occupational illness & exposuresIllness from exposure to dust, fumes, chemicals, mold, heat or infection at work.
- Crush injuriesInjuries from being caught in, under or between machinery, vehicles or loads.
- AmputationsLosing a finger, hand, toe or limb in a workplace accident.
- Spinal cord injuriesSerious injuries to the spinal cord from falls, collapses and crashes.
By industry
- ConstructionFalls, struck-by injuries, tools and heavy materials on job sites.
- Warehouse & logisticsForklifts, shelving, lifting, picking and fast-paced fulfilment work.
- TruckingCrashes, loading and unloading, falls from cabs and long hours behind the wheel.
- Delivery driversVehicle crashes, dog bites, steps and packages — all day, every day.
- ManufacturingMachinery, assembly lines, repetitive motion, noise and chemicals.
- HealthcarePatient handling, needlesticks, infections and workplace violence.
- Restaurants & food serviceBurns, knife cuts, slips and long shifts on your feet.
- RetailStocking shelves, ladders, lifting, slips and difficult customers.
- Office workRepetitive strain, trips over cords and work-related driving.
- Agriculture & farmingTractors, animals, heat, pesticides and heavy equipment.
- Oil & gasHeavy equipment, explosions, falls, heat and remote work sites.
- UtilitiesElectrical work, trenches, roadside work zones and weather exposure.
- Landscaping & groundskeepingMowers, trimmers, saws, heat, insects and uneven ground.
- Cleaning & janitorialChemicals, wet floors, lifting and repetitive motion.
- Hotels & hospitalityHousekeeping strain, heavy carts, kitchens and guest incidents.
- Education & schoolsStudent incidents, falls, lifting and exposure at schools.
- Police, fire & EMSPhysical danger, vehicle crashes and repeated exposure to trauma.
- Public transitBus and rail operators — crashes, assaults and years in the driver's seat.
- Aviation ground crewsBaggage handling, ramp vehicles, jet noise and weather.
- Auto repair & mechanicsLifts, tools, chemicals, burns and awkward positions.
- MiningFalling rock, heavy machinery, dust, noise and vibration.
- RoofingFalls from heights, heat, nail guns and heavy materials.
- ElectriciansShocks, arc flash, ladders and overhead work.
- Plumbers & pipefittersKneeling, tight spaces, trenches, exposures and work-van driving.
- Home health aidesLifting and transferring clients alone, driving between homes and needlesticks.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common kinds of work injuries?
Strains from lifting, slips and falls, being struck by objects, cuts, and repetitive-motion injuries are among the kinds of injuries people often report at work. Which ones are most common depends a lot on the kind of work.
Does workers' comp cover injuries that happen over time?
In many states, workers' compensation may cover injuries and illnesses that develop over time, like repetitive strain or hearing loss, as well as sudden accidents. The rules vary by state, so check with your state's workers' compensation agency.
What kind of doctor should I see for a work injury?
Many people start with occupational medicine, urgent care or their employer's designated provider, and are referred to a specialist if needed. Rules about choosing a doctor vary by state — ask your employer or the claims adjuster.
Prescriptions.plus is an educational portal. We are not a pharmacy, law firm, medical provider, insurer or claims administrator, and nothing here is medical or legal advice. Educational purposes only. Workers' compensation rules and deadlines vary by state — check with your state's workers' compensation agency. Medical emergency? Call 911. Hurt outside of work? Personal-injury legal help: attorneys.plus (coming soon).