Body of Evidence

View Statistics

Roll your mouse over Rod and Rodette to see how often injuries occur, and learn some great safety tips.

Face Injuries

81 face injuries were reported in 2017. 

Safety Tips:

  • Provide eye protection and ensure it’s worn – don’t take chances
  • Be careful when working with hot liquids or caustic chemicals – they can splash up
  • Wear sunscreen when working outside for extended periods of time

Neck Injuries

158 neck injuries were reported in 2017. That's 2.7% of all injuries.

Safety Tips:

  • Design work to avoid strain, such as adding headsets or magnifiers
  • Ensure computer workstations are ergonomically designed
  • Ensure headrests properly positioned in transportation industries

Shoulder Injuries

622 shoulder injuries were reported in 2017. That's 10.5% of all injuries.

Safety Tips:

  • Avoid reaching: Keep work below the head, above the knees
  • Reduce need to manually lift, avoid tugging, dragging heavy material
  • Wear protective clothing and equipment when needed

Chest Injuries

127 chest injuries were reported in 2017. That's 2.1% of all injuries.

Safety Tips:

  • Wear protective clothing when needed
  • Design work to reduce the need to lift – avoid sudden motions
  • Ensure proper ventilation and safe work environments

Arm Injuries

254 arm injuries were reported in 2017. That's 4.3% of all injuries.

Safety Tips:

  • Lift safely and design work to avoid lifting if possible
  • Be especially careful around moving parts and machinery
  • Many arms were injured breaking falls: Watch your step.

Wrist Injuries

213 wrist injuries were reported in 2017. That's 3.6% of all injuries.

Safety Tips:

  • Ensure office setups are ergonomically designed: think wrist rests, arm rests, adjustable keyboards etc.
  • Design manual work to improve posture and reduce force
  • Design work to reduce repetitive motion such as keyboarding or detailed work

Hand Injuries

163 hand injuries were reported in 2017. That's 2.8% of all injuries.

Safety Tips:

  • Ensure machinery has proper guards
  • Don’t rush when working with sharp items – and don’t let anyone rush you.
  • Wear protective equipment like gloves when you need to

Finger Injuries

312 finger injuries were reported in 2017. That's 5.3% of all injuries.

Safety Tips:

  • Don’t walk with sharp objects and be aware of who’s around you
  • Wear gloves around heat, or when working with glass or metal
  • Keep fingers away from openings and moving parts

Back Injuries

1,617 back injuries were reported in 2017. That's 27.4% of all injuries.

Safety Tips:

  • Design work to reduce need to lift
  • Follow lifting guidelines
  • Design work to maintain good posture

Leg Injuries

569 leg injuries were reported in 2017. That's 9.6% of all injuries.

Safety Tips:

  • Sign slippery areas and watch your step – twisted knees are common
  • Alternate between bending, sitting, squatting, kneeling to avoid repetitive strain
  • Wear protective clothing as appropriate, such as chain saw pants

Ankle Injuries

288 ankle injuries were reported in 2017. That's 4.9% of all injuries.

Safety Tips:

  • Watch your step – avoid slippery or cluttered areas
  • Ensure footwear offers the right support
  • Clear icy steps to avoid slips and falls

Foot Injuries

150 foot injuries were reported in 2017. That's 2.5% of all injuries.

Safety Tips:

  • Wear approved steel-toed boots or other safe footwear – especially around heat, machinery, and sharp objects
  • Rest when standing for long periods
  • Watch your step and properly sign unsafe or hazardous areas until it’s safe