Top 10 Most Common Injuries for Age 50 and Older Employees

The injuries listed below were diagnosed in 33.9 percent of claims filed by workers aged 50 and older in 2003.

1. Sprain,* lumbar region: Injury to the area in and around the five lumbar vertebrae of the spinal column.

2. Open wound, finger: This can be anything from a paper cut to a major laceration of the finger.

3. Arm or shoulder sprain*: Injury in and around shoulder and upper arm.

4. Sprain,* neck region: Injury in and around the seven cervical vertebrae of the spinal column.

5. Sprain,* knee and leg: Injury in and around the knee and leg.

6. Knee contusion**

7. Lumbosacral sprain*: Injury to the area around the five lumbar and five fused sacral vertebrae of the spinal column.

8. Face, scalp or neck contusion**

9. Thoracic sprain*: Injury in and around the 12 thoracic vertebrae of the spinal column.

10. Ankle sprain*: Injury in and around the ankle.

Source: Oho BWC Workers’ Comp Quarterly, Winter/2005