What types of hazards are most likely to cause costly lost-time injuries? These were the main culprits in 2000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

1) Floors and walkways - leading to slips and falls.

2) Worker motions or positions - leading to repetitive motion disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome, back injuries and being caught by, against or between equipment.

3) Containers - which can lead to lifting problems, back injuries and other injuries caused by being struck by objects.

4) Parts and materials - handling these objects can lead to overexertion, sprains and strains.

5) Vehicles - 73,000 transportation crashes occurred in 2000, plus forklift mishaps can involve pedestrians being hit and drivers caught between equipment and containers.

6) Machinery - causes many injuries, including amputations, where operators are caught in equipment or struck by objects.

7) Tools and instruments - mishandling can result in cuts and lacerations, bruises and contusions, and sprains and strains.

8) Healthcare patients - Overexertion in lifting is a big problem when moving patients in and out of beds.

9) Furniture and fixtures - heavy lifting and contact injuries are common when handling these objects.

10) Chemicals - Exposures to harmful substances can lead to burns and eye and hand injuries.

All of these hazards and their potential consequences are good topics for training sessions.