If you, or someone you know, have experienced a workplace injury in New Hampshire, the accident was likely classified into one of the following categories. Research released by Liberty Mutual Group Inc. stated that 72 percent of all the workers' compensation funds directed to workers in the United States were attributed to five specific types of injuries. These injuries were classified as:

  • Overexertion: Injuries as a result of lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling an object. This was the leading cause for workers' compensation accounting for around 25 percent of all claims awarded - costing employers approximately $12.75 billion.
  • Falls: Falling down in the workplace accounted for the second and third-most leading causes for workers' compensation. Falling at the same level was No. 2, attributing to $7.94 billion of workers' compensation paid out. Falling from one level to a lower level was next at $5.35 billion.
  • Bodily reaction: These injuries can be sustained from sitting, standing or even slipping or tripping without falling. These injuries drove $5.28 billion in workers' compensation costs.
  • Being struck by an object: Workers who were struck by an object was the fifth-leading injury that led to workers' compensation -- costing $4.64 billion.

The data was compiled from information made available by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Academy of Social Insurance in 2009. It was based on injuries that forced workers to miss at least six days from work.

Other leading causes of injuries resulting in workers' compensation payments were workers who were caught, or pinned, by machines or other objects, assaults and injuries as a result of repetitive motions.

Costs associated with workplace injuries dropped 4.6 percent from 1998 to 2009.

Source: Business Insurance, "Top 5 workplace injury causes make up 72% of direct workers comp costs: Analysis," Roberto Ceniceros, Jan. 10, 2012