Occupational injury, also categorized as occupational hazards, covers a wide array of injuries and illnesses that occur while a worker is performing their job. Some are minor injuries or accidents, others can be serious and even lead to death. Workplace injuries are not limited to any industry or job and range from accidents at construction sites - which are considered to be the most dangerous workplace in the United States - to injuries in the office, such as injuries cause by repetition.

There are three basic categories that cover occupational injuries: specific incidents, repetitive injuries and occupational exposure. Specific incidents refers to injuries sustained during a specific incident, such as a fall or injury caused by a tool. This category is not limited to construction site accidents, however, these are the most common in this category.

Repetitive injuries refers to injuries or illnesses suffered due to a worker having to perform repetitive tasks. Examples are typing or assembly line workers, who for hours have to repeat the same or similar body movements that, in some cases, can lead to long-term injuries.

Occupational exposure relates to workers being exposed to toxic chemicals or hazardous products, which lead to health problems or even death. These include breathing in asbestos or silica dust, which can lead to silicosis and mesothelioma – both of which are carcinogenic.

In the United States, occupational safety is regulated and enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA’s mission is to ensure a safe and healthy workplace. One of its goals is to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses and OSHA does this through outreach and awareness programs, education and training, as well as providing guidelines to employers to create a safe workplace.