Workplace injuries have become a frequent occurrence among big and small companies alike. Those who work on more dangerous environments such as construction sites and manufacturing companies are presumably more at risk of encountering work related injuries. However, workplace injuries happen in regular offices too. And since the advent of computer and digital technology, there are a lot of seemingly harmless habits that are equally damaging to the health and safety of workers.

Here is a list of ten most common and disabling work related injuries according to the 2008 Workplace Safety Index:

1. Overexertion - This injury has consistently been ranked as the number one type of workplace injury. This is primarily caused by rigorous activities at work such as pulling, lifting, pushing, holding, carrying, and throwing.

2. Fall on Same Level Surfaces - This refers to falls and slips on same level surfaces. A good example are those falls on wet and slippery floors mostly in the bathrooms and snow covered pathways outside the office.

3. Fall to Lower Level - This includes falling from an elevated surface such as roofs, ladders, walls, and stairways.

4. Bodily Reaction - This type of workplace injury refers to tripping and slipping without actually falling.

5. Struck by Object - This type of injury happens when objects fall or dropped by someone from a height. An example is a falling hammer in a construction site that may hit another person below it. This can be a very serious type of workplace injury.

6. Struck against Object - This type of workplace injury refers to running into concrete objects such as walls, doors, tables, cabinets, chairs, glass windows etc.

7. Highway Incident - Transportation used for business purposes such as trucks and cars may be involved in an automobile accident just like any regular traveler.

8. Caught in/ compressed by - Handling large and sharp machinery is terribly dangerous especially without proper knowledge and precautions used. Workers may also be exposed to extreme temperature which can also cause this type of injury.

9. Repetitive Motion " A good example is typing on a computer in regular offices. Due to prolonged repetitive motion, muscles and tendons are susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome, back injuries, and vision problems.

10. Assaults and violent acts - This may not be a frequent occurrence but is nonetheless causing injuries among employees who engage in physical attack against each other.

In the event that employees experience workplace injuries, their physical and mental abilities suffer. Thus their work and personal life will also be affected. It is clearly stated by law that employees are entitles to receive compensation for work related injuries. If the company fails to address that, the employee may file a lawsuit for the damages and medical expenses.

Therefore, it is important that workplace safety should be a priority for employers and employees alike. For employers it is best that they use engineering control systems in their work spaces. This means that work materials, work stations, and other tools should be geared towards minimizing awkward positions, strenuous handling activities, and repetitive motion. Safety manuals should also be rewritten every now and then for updates and other improvements on using work equipment. Fitness programs and exercises are also advisable to be enforced to employees. On the other hand, employees should also be very careful of themselves by reading warning signs and adapting cautionary ways to protect themselves. It will always be a two way street for both employers and employees to minimize workplace injuries.