According to statistics, what is the number one cause of workplace accidents?

Overexertion is identified as the leading cause of workplace accidents primarily due to the physical strain that employees experience during tasks that demand heavy lifting, awkward postures, or repetitive movements. This type of injury can often result in musculoskeletal disorders, which are injuries to muscles, tendons, or ligaments. These injuries not only lead to significant pain and discomfort for the affected employees but can also result in lost time from work and increased healthcare costs for employers.

Understanding that overexertion encompasses a broad range of activities helps highlight its prevalence in different industries, particularly those that involve manual labor. For example, workers in construction, manufacturing, and warehousing may frequently encounter situations where lifting heavy items, pushing, or carrying loads can lead to accidents if proper ergonomics are not maintained.

In contrast, while slips and falls, equipment malfunction, and confined space incidents are serious workplace hazards, they do not occur with the same frequency as overexertion-related injuries across the majority of workplaces. Each of these other causes certainly has its risk factors and can lead to significant incidents, but overexertion stands out in statistical reports as the predominant issue affecting worker safety. Therefore, focusing on ways to improve lifting techniques, promote proper ergonomics, and enhance