Most Common Types of Work Injuries in Maryland

Workplaces across Maryland range from busy construction sites to quiet office spaces. While each environment carries its own risks, work-related injuries can happen anywhere. Some are the result of sudden accidents, while others develop slowly over time from repetitive stress or hazardous conditions.

For workers and employers alike, understanding the most common types of work injuries in Maryland, as well as the workers’ compensation laws that apply, is essential for prevention and for knowing what steps to take if an injury occurs.

Workplace Injury Trends in Maryland

Maryland workers face risks that mirror national trends but also reflect the state’s industries.

With a strong presence in healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and transportation, Maryland sees high rates of injuries tied to physical labor and repetitive tasks. At the same time, office workers encounter hazards such as slip and falls, ergonomic strains, and stress-related conditions.

No job is completely risk-free, which is why state and federal safety regulations play such a vital role in protecting employees.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slips, trips, and falls remain among the most frequent workplace injuries in Maryland. They happen in nearly every industry, from retail and restaurants to construction sites and hospitals. Wet floors, uneven surfaces, insufficient lighting, and cluttered walkways can all contribute to these accidents.

The consequences can range from sprains and broken bones to traumatic brain injuries. Falls from heights, such as ladders or scaffolding, are particularly dangerous and often result in serious harm and even permanent disabilities.

Preventing these accidents can require consistent maintenance, proper footwear, and following all safety protocols. Employers also bear responsibility for keeping floors clear of hazards and providing fall protection where needed.

Overexertion and Repetitive Strain

Overexertion is another leading cause of work injuries in Maryland. These injuries often stem from lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy objects without proper support or technique. Workers in warehouses, delivery services, and construction face especially high risks, but overexertion can happen in almost any physical role.

Repetitive strain injuries, on the other hand, develop gradually. Employees who perform the same motion for extended periods—such as typing, scanning items, or using hand tools—may suffer from conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or chronic back pain.

These injuries often limit the victim’s mobility and productivity, requiring medical treatment and time away from work.

Struck-by and Caught-in Accidents

In industries that involve heavy machinery, construction equipment, or moving vehicles, workers face the risk of being struck by objects or caught between equipment and fixed structures.

These accidents can be catastrophic, causing crushing injuries, amputations, or fatalities. Struck-by incidents include being hit by falling tools, flying debris, or vehicles operating on job sites.

Caught-in accidents often involve machinery without proper guards or trenches that collapse unexpectedly. Maryland workplaces must comply with safety regulations that require protective systems, machine safeguards, and training to reduce these risks.

Exposure to Harmful Substances

Many Maryland employees work with chemicals, cleaning agents, or hazardous materials that can cause burns, respiratory problems, or skin conditions. Construction workers may face exposure to asbestos, while healthcare workers risk contact with bloodborne pathogens.

Even office environments can expose employees to poor indoor air quality, which can lead to long-term respiratory issues.

Using proper labeling, protective gear, and proper ventilation is key to reducing exposure. Employers are legally obligated to provide Material Safety Data Sheets and train workers on handling hazardous substances safely. Failure to follow these regulations can result in preventable injuries and serious, even life-threatening illnesses.

Transportation and Vehicle-Related Accidents

With Maryland’s busy highways and urban centers, vehicle-related accidents are a common source of workplace injuries. Truck drivers, delivery workers, and employees who travel between job sites are at risk of collisions and roadside accidents.

Workers operating forklifts or other vehicles within a job site face potential harm as well.

These injuries can be severe, ranging from whiplash and bone fractures to traumatic brain injuries and fatalities. Employers should enforce vehicle safety training, regular maintenance, and clear policies for safe driving.

For employees, following defensive driving practices can significantly reduce risks.

Workplace Violence

Workplace violence is another often-overlooked danger that affects employees in retail, healthcare, and office environments across Maryland. These incidents may involve altercations with customers, patients, or even coworkers. Injuries from workplace violence range from bruises and lacerations to life-threatening trauma and psychological harm.

Employers can mitigate these risks by implementing clear workplace policies, providing de-escalation training, and ensuring adequate security measures are in place. Supporting employees who have experienced violence is also critical for recovery and long-term well-being.

Hearing Loss and Noise Exposure

Maryland’s industrial and construction sectors often expose workers to loud environments.

Prolonged exposure to high decibel levels from machinery, equipment, or tools can cause permanent hearing loss. Because hearing damage develops gradually, many employees do not realize the severity until it is too late. Employers must provide hearing protection and keep noise levels in compliance with safety standards.

Rotating workers, reducing the length of exposure time, and using quieter equipment are effective strategies for prevention.

Heat Stress and Environmental Injuries

Outdoor workers in Maryland, particularly during the hot and humid summer months, face risks from heat-related illnesses. Heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heatstroke can develop quickly without proper hydration and rest. Cold weather conditions can also cause frostbite or hypothermia for employees working outside in winter.

Employers should provide adequate breaks, hydration stations, and weather-appropriate gear to protect workers. Training employees to recognize early signs of heat stress or hypothermia is equally important for preventing serious health consequences.

Burns and Fire Hazards

Burn injuries occur in a variety of workspaces, from kitchens and labs to construction sites and manufacturing plants. Thermal burns can result from contact with flames or hot surfaces, while chemical burns stem from exposure to corrosive substances. Electrical burns are another concern for workers who come into contact with live wires and malfunctioning equipment.

Fire hazards are another layer of risk. Improper storage of flammable materials or faulty wiring can lead to workplace fires. Employers must enforce strict safety protocols, provide protective equipment, and ensure emergency plans are in place.

Common Contributing Factors

Although work injuries can take many forms, they often share underlying causes. Recognizing these factors helps employers address multiple hazards at once.

Insufficient training or supervision
Lack of proper safety equipment
Poorly maintained machinery and tools
Unsafe work practices due to time pressure
Failure to follow the state and federal safety regulations

Addressing these issues requires commitment from both employers and employees. A proactive safety culture, supported by regular training and open conversations, will help reduce the likelihood of preventable injuries.

The Role of Workers’ Compensation

In Maryland, most employees are covered by workers’ compensation, providing medical benefits and wage replacement after workplace injuries. While this system is designed to protect our workers, the process can be complex.

Employers and insurance companies may have a claim dispute, delay benefits, or argue that an injury wasn’t work-related.

Understanding workers’ compensation rights is essential. Employees should report injuries promptly, seek medical treatment, and document all details of the accident and injury. In cases where claims are denied or benefits are inadequate, consulting with an attorney experienced in Maryland workers’ compensation laws can help ensure fair treatment.

Moving Forward After a Workplace Injury

Recovering from a work injury often requires medical treatment, time off, and daily lifestyle modifications, even in cases of temporary disabilities.

Some injuries resolve quickly, while others result in long-term complications. Navigating workers’ compensation, dealing with lost income, and managing recovery can feel overwhelming.

You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Support from healthcare providers, legal professionals, and workplace safety advocates can make a significant difference. For many workers, injury recovery is not just about physical healing but also about regaining confidence and stability in their professional and personal lives.

At Belsky & Horowitz, LLC, we understand that workplace injuries are an unfortunate reality across Maryland, affecting employees in many industries, and that slips and falls, overexertion, exposure to hazardous substances, and repetitive strain injuries remain among the most common.

While workers’ compensation provides a safety net, prevention is always the best approach. Employers who foster a strong culture of safety not only protect their workforce but also strengthen their businesses.

For employees, understanding risks and taking proactive steps helps reduce the chance of harm while ensuring rights are protected if an injury occurs.

If you’ve suffered a work injury and need help seeking justice and fair compensation, we’re here for you.