Ohio Workers' Comp Lawyers Explain the Risks That Put Employees at Risk
At Hochman & Plunkett Co., L.P.A., we’ve helped workers across Ohio fight for the benefits they deserve after suffering serious injuries on the job. Too often, we see injuries that could have been avoided with better equipment, proper training, or basic safety protocols. Small business owners want to do right by their employees, but without the same resources as larger companies, hazards sometimes go unchecked.
Preventable work injuries aren’t just unfortunate — they’re expensive. Lost time, medical bills, and higher insurance premiums can hit a small operation hard. For injured workers, the fallout can be even worse. That’s why identifying and addressing the most common injury risks is critical for both business owners and employees.
The Most Common Preventable Workplace Injuries
A recent survey by Pie Insurance revealed that 75% of small businesses experienced workplace injuries last year, and nearly half were preventable. Here are the top injury types we frequently see in workers’ compensation claims throughout Ohio:
Slips, Trips, and Falls
This category remains one of the leading causes of injury, and it’s often entirely avoidable. Wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, and cluttered walkways are all culprits. These incidents can cause anything from sprains to traumatic head injuries.
Cuts, Lacerations, and Punctures
Workers using sharp tools or operating machinery are vulnerable to cuts, especially if safety guards are missing or proper gloves aren’t used. Improvising with the wrong equipment or skipping steps to save time often leads to painful consequences.
Overexertion and Repetitive Strain Injuries
Improper lifting, awkward postures, or doing the same motion repeatedly can take a toll on the body. Back injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, and muscle strains are common and often develop gradually, making them harder to catch early.
Mental Health-Related Injuries
This includes stress-related conditions and psychological trauma. While not always visible, mental health concerns are increasingly recognized as valid and compensable workplace injuries, especially in high-pressure or understaffed environments.
Why These Injuries Happen So Often in Small Businesses
Pie Insurance’s data showed that 49% of small businesses admitted to improvising safety measures due to a lack of proper equipment. That means workers are often left to figure things out on their own — sometimes with dangerous results.
Other contributing factors include:
- Infrequent or outdated safety training
- Lack of written safety policies or procedures
- Failure to provide PPE or enforce its use
- Pressure to work faster or take on multiple roles
Even well-meaning employers can miss red flags until an accident occurs. And when that happens, it’s workers who suffer the most, physically and financially.
How Ohio Workers Can Protect Themselves After a Work Injury
If you’re hurt on the job in Ohio, you have rights — but you also have a limited window to act. Here’s what to do:
- Report the injury immediately to your supervisor in writing.
- Get medical attention, even if symptoms seem minor.
- Document everything, from witness names to photos of the hazard.
- Talk to a workers’ compensation attorney before dealing with the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation or your employer’s insurance representative.
The sooner you involve an attorney, the better your chances of recovering full compensation for medical care, lost wages, and any long-term impact your injury may have on your ability to work.
Why Small Businesses Should Treat Safety as a Long-Term Investment
Too often, small businesses view safety measures as short-term expenses rather than long-term protections. However, the data is clear: preventable injuries lead to lost productivity, higher insurance premiums, and costly workers' compensation claims.
When injuries are avoided, businesses preserve their workforce, maintain operations, and reduce risk exposure. Creating a safety-first culture—where proper equipment, regular training, and employee input are prioritized—pays off in more ways than one. It’s not about perfection; it’s about preparation.
We Help Injured Workers Across Ohio Get the Support They Deserve
With offices in Dayton, Cincinnati, Springfield, Troy, and Columbus, Hochman & Plunkett Co., L.P.A., fights for workers throughout Ohio. If you were injured in a workplace incident — whether you slipped on a wet floor or developed chronic pain from repetitive tasks — we’re here to help you navigate the workers’ compensation process and hold the system accountable.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. You pay no fees unless we recover benefits on your behalf.
"They take care of all the issues so you can focus on taking care of you. These are not easy processes and can be overwhelming, but I would recommend Hochman and Plunkett to everyone." - Brian G., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐