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Workplace injuries and illnesses will range in severity and may cause short or long-term pain, permanent disability or death. The most common injuries that are caused from work accidents include:                  

• Neck, back and lower limb injuries 
• Head injuries 
• Fractures, repetitive strains and sprains
• Chemical and asbestos exposure
• Industrial deafness
• Psychological injuries 

 Work-related injuries can occurr in a variety of ways, the most common being: 

• Lifting, pushing or pulling an object.
• Hitting or being hit or cut by an object.
• Repetitive movement 
• Slip and/or fall
• Vehicle accident
• Exposure to mental stress

Aside from pyhsical injuries, work accidents may also involve mental and psychological injuries such as post traumatic stress disorder or stress related illnesses. Overall, the type of injury that can occur will depend on the severity and type of work accident involved.

When it comes to recovery, most people injured at work return to work within a few days but those with more serious injuries may need help through rehabilitation. This could involve ongoing treatment for a physical injury over a certian period of time or may involve psychological counselling and job training to help a person adjust to an injury or return to their line of work. Most workplaces will usuallly have as a part of company policy a workplace based rehabilitation program to accomodate a worker and their needs and requiremnets based on their level of injury sustained.

To prevent work accidents from happening or reoccurring, employers are under a legal duty to ensure that the workplace is kept safe at all times, that the health and wellbeing of employees is protected and most importantly to ensure that employees are given satisfactory training in the area of  OH&S (Occupational Health & Safety).