Workplace injuries can happen in any industry, but some are more frequent—and more preventable—than others. In Vermont, where agriculture, construction, healthcare, and manufacturing are major sectors, employees face a variety of physical hazards that put them at risk every day. Understanding the most common types of workplace injuries in Vermont is key to improving job site safety, protecting workers’ rights, and reducing long-term costs for employers.

Slip and Fall Injuries on the Job

Slip, trip, and fall accidents are among the top reported workplace injuries across Vermont. These incidents are especially common in environments with wet floors, uneven surfaces, icy walkways, or poor lighting—conditions frequently encountered during Vermont’s long winters.

Key contributors to fall injuries in Vermont include:

• Icy parking lots and walkways outside job sites
• Spilled liquids or cleaning products on smooth indoor surfaces
• Cluttered walkways or obstructed work areas
• Inadequate fall protection on elevated surfaces

Falls can lead to broken bones, concussions, and spinal injuries that result in weeks or even months away from work. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, falls, slips, and trips accounted for over 33% of nonfatal workplace injuries requiring time off in the Northeast.

Strains and Sprains From Overexertion

Vermont’s labor force includes many employees in physically demanding jobs—healthcare workers lifting patients, warehouse employees moving goods, and farmers managing heavy equipment. Overexertion injuries, particularly muscle strains, sprains, and repetitive stress conditions, are common among these workers.

Overexertion injuries often stem from:

• Lifting or lowering heavy objects improperly
• Repetitive tasks like stocking shelves or working on an assembly line
• Extended bending, reaching, or twisting motions

These injuries may seem minor at first but can result in chronic pain or long-term disability if not addressed early. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a leading cause of workers’ compensation claims and have one of the highest median days away from work.

Workplace Injuries Caused by Equipment and Machinery

Vermont’s agricultural and manufacturing industries rely heavily on machinery, which introduces risk when safety protocols are ignored or equipment malfunctions. Injuries involving heavy equipment can be catastrophic and often result in severe trauma, amputations, or fatalities.

Typical scenarios include:

• Clothing or limbs caught in moving parts
• Crush injuries from equipment rollovers
• Faulty or unguarded machines
• Inadequate lockout/tagout procedures during maintenance

Employers are responsible for training workers on machine safety and ensuring that proper protective measures—such as emergency shut-off systems—are in place and maintained.

Vehicle-Related Workplace Accidents

Not all work-related accidents occur within a single facility. Many Vermont employees—such as delivery drivers, snowplow operators, and construction workers—face risks on the road. Transportation incidents are among the leading causes of occupational fatalities in the U.S. and remain a concern across Vermont, especially in rural areas where weather and wildlife pose additional hazards.

Vehicle-related injuries include:

• Collisions while driving for work purposes
• Being struck by moving vehicles or equipment on job sites
• Falls from work trucks or loading docks

Employers can reduce risks by providing driver safety training and enforcing rest periods to limit fatigue.

Cuts, Lacerations, and Puncture Wounds

Sharp tools, glass, metal edges, or construction materials all pose a threat when proper handling techniques and personal protective equipment (PPE) are ignored. Even in office settings, workers may sustain cuts or lacerations from paper cutters, box openers, or broken equipment.

Common factors behind these injuries include:

• Lack of proper hand protection
• Inadequate training on tool use
• Improper storage of sharp instruments
• Rushed or distracted work

While many cuts are minor, deep lacerations can lead to blood loss, nerve damage, or infection if untreated.

Burns and Exposure to Harmful Substances

Burn injuries—thermal, chemical, or electrical—are common in construction, manufacturing, and food service environments. In Vermont, where many small businesses handle chemicals or heating equipment, exposure injuries are not unusual.

Examples include:

• Steam or grease burns in commercial kitchens
• Electrical burns from malfunctioning machinery
• Skin or respiratory damage from chemical spills or fumes

OSHA mandates strict regulations for chemical handling and PPE use, but enforcement gaps or lack of awareness often contribute to these incidents.

Workplace Violence and Mental Stress Injuries

Though less visible, workplace violence and psychological stress are increasingly recognized as valid work-related injuries. Healthcare workers, social service providers, and public-facing employees in Vermont are especially vulnerable to aggressive behavior, verbal abuse, or traumatic incidents.

Mental health-related claims are often underreported, but growing awareness is prompting more workers to come forward. Employers have a responsibility to maintain safe, respectful workplaces that include resources for mental well-being.

Industries in Vermont With the Highest Risk of Injury

Some sectors in Vermont consistently report higher injury rates than others due to the physical demands and environments in which workers operate. According to data from the Vermont Department of Labor:

• Healthcare and social assistance leads in nonfatal workplace injuries
• Construction consistently ranks high for serious injuries and fatalities
• Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting has one of the highest injury rates relative to workforce size
• Manufacturing jobs are prone to repetitive motion and equipment-related injuries

Employers in these fields are encouraged to invest in injury prevention training, improve safety protocols, and regularly evaluate job site hazards.

Conclusion

Workplace injuries in Vermont often mirror national trends, but the state’s unique economic landscape and seasonal challenges amplify specific risks. From falls on icy surfaces to machinery accidents on farms, workers face a wide range of potential hazards. Recognizing the most common types of injuries is the first step toward safer work environments. Employers and employees alike benefit when safety becomes a shared priority—reducing not only the number of injuries but also the long-term physical and financial toll they take.

Need Legal Help? Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law is One Phone Call Away

Navigating Vermont work injury claims can be challenging. Fortunately, you don't need to do it alone. The experienced workers' compensation lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, are available 24/7 to help you understand your legal options, gather necessary evidence, and build a strong case to secure the settlement you deserve.

Contact us now for a free legal review.