How often these injuries happen
OSHA recorded 27 severe incidents involving dishes and small receptacles over the past decade. The most frequent injury type is cuts, lacerations, and punctures, which account for 48% of all reported cases.
These injuries often result in damage to fingers and wrists, including severed tendons and nerve damage. Because these incidents frequently require hospitalization, they represent a serious class of workplace accidents involving kitchenware.
How these injuries happen
Injuries from dishes and small receptacles most often occur when you are struck by a falling item or injured by an object you are handling. Many cases involve glass shattering during routine tasks, such as washing dishes or stocking shelves, which leads to deep lacerations. Overexertion while moving heavy pans or trays also causes significant musculoskeletal injuries.
| Cause | Incidents | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Struck by falling object | 9 |
| 2 | Overexertion while materials moving by hand | 7 |
| 3 | Injured by object handled by person | 7 |
| 4 | Contact with hot objects or substances | 1 |
| 5 | Struck by running powered equipment— n.e.c. | 1 |
Where injuries happen most
Accommodation and food services account for 37% of all reported incidents, making it the most common sector for these injuries. High-volume environments like restaurants and bars create constant exposure to broken glass and heavy lifting.
Real cases like yours
Common patterns in these incidents include you suffering deep lacerations while washing dishes or moving heavy containers that shatter or crush fingers against equipment. If any of these scenarios sound like what happened to you, an attorney can help you review the specifics of your incident to determine if your employer failed to provide a safe environment.
| Year | State | Industry | Incident summary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | LA | Other Services | "An employee was on a scissor lift, moving a jug of refrigerant onto a roof. The container fell onto his left middle finger, crushing it against the handrail of the scissor lift and and fracturing it." | |
| 2025 | FL | Manufacturing | "An employee had bent down to pick up two 80-ounce pans of cheesecake. When the employee stood up, they felt a pop in their back, and they were hospitalized with a back injury." | |
| 2025 | FL | Retail Trade | "An employee was picking up a bottle of wine when the top of it broke. The broken glass lacerated her right hand, causing tendon damage. She was hospitalized." | |
| 2025 | FL | Arts & Entertainment | "An employee was washing dishes and cut their wrist on a broken plate. The employee was hospitalized. " | |
| 2024 | FL | Other Services | "An employee was putting glasses away after their shift at the bar. A glass fell from the shelf and struck the employee's right wrist. The glass broke and lacerated an artery, two tendons, and a nerve in the wrist. The employee was hospitalized." | |
| 2024 | DE | Health Care | "On June 17, 2024, an employee was lifting a container of cooked pasta when he felt something pop in his abdomen. The employee was hospitalized with an abdominal injury." | |
| 2024 | NY | Retail Trade | "An employee was filling the bread shelf and moving bread trays when they felt pain in their back. The employee sustained an annular tear of a lumbar disc. " | |
| 2024 | FL | Construction | "An employee was putting dishes away and picked up a plate that was hot. Both of the employee's hands were burned." | |
| 2023 | MA | Accommodation & Food Services | "An employee was loading a dish washing machine. A plate bumped against the machine and broke, lacerating the employee's left arm. The employee was hospitalized and required surgery." | |
| 2023 | PA | Retail Trade | "An employee was moving a 5-foot-high cart with plates on top when the plates fell and struck the employee in the head, resulting in brain hemorrhaging." |
Source: OSHA Severe Injury Reports. Narratives are verbatim from filings; identifying details may have been redacted by OSHA.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, if you were injured while performing your job duties, you are generally eligible for Workers' Compensation benefits. These benefits cover medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault for the accident. An attorney can help you document the incident and ensure your claim is filed correctly.
Workers' Compensation is a no-fault system, meaning you are typically entitled to benefits even if you made a mistake. Employers are responsible for maintaining a safe workplace, including providing proper tools and training to prevent injuries from sharp objects. An attorney can help you evaluate if your employer failed to meet these safety obligations.
Back injuries caused by lifting heavy items like large pans or trays are common workplace injuries that qualify for Workers' Compensation. If your injury resulted in hospitalization or long-term medical treatment, you may be entitled to coverage for your recovery. An attorney can help you gather the necessary medical evidence to support your claim.
Nerve damage is a serious injury that often requires extensive medical care and physical therapy. You should prioritize your medical treatment and ensure all injuries are documented by a physician. An attorney can help you navigate the complexities of your claim to ensure your long-term medical needs are addressed.