According to the National Safety Council, every seven seconds a worker is injured on the job. More often than not, injuries on the job are entirely preventable. Taking measures to create safer working conditions not only reduces the likelihood of injury but also improves productivity and your bottom line.
Common Workplace Injuries Include:
- Slips, Trips, & Falls
- Neck & Head Injuries
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Repetitive Motion Injuries
- Broken Limbs
- Strains
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Electrical Shocks
- Chemical Burns
- Vehicle & Moving Equipment Injuries
TIPS FOR REDUCING INJURIES ON THE JOB
FOR EMPLOYERS
While you can never completely prevent work accidents as an employer, you can take certain measures to increase the safety of your employees.
This includes:
CONDUCTING SAFETY SEMINARS & TRAINING
Misuse of equipment is a common cause of injury. By providing your employees with training opportunities, it increases their skill set and helps establish stronger safety standards on your production floor. In addition to equipment training, it is important to reiterate proper lifting techniques.
PROPERLY SCREENING APPLICANTS
In some instances, an accident is caused by an employee’s inexperience or an inability to physically perform a position. Conducting pre-placement physicals ensures you are matching applicants with positions matching the physical abilities.
ENCOURAGE EMPLOYEE FEEDBACK
There is no better resource on how to improve a task or job than the people performing it. Receiving input from your employees regarding safety concerns can help you create a safer work environment while giving them an opportunity for their voices to be heard.
KEEPING WORKPLACES CLEAN AND UNCLUTTERED
To help prevent slip and fall incidents, make sure to store all materials safely and securely. It is also important to have proper signage to warn employees of any dangers, as required by law. In addition, you can build guards, shields, or barriers to protect employees for hazards. Installing non-slip flooring can also help prevent incidents.
ENCOURAGE EMPLOYEES TO TAKE BREAKS
Overworked or tired employees are more likely to make errors or cause harm to themselves or others. By encouraging reasonable breaks, it can help keep your workers alert and awake.
FOR WORKERS
There are also many things workers can do to increase their safety on the job.
This includes:
WEARING PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Safety goggles, earplugs, muffs, hard hats, and other protective equipment may not look fashionable, but it does play an important role in staying safe on the job. Wearing anti-slip shoes can also help prevent accidents. For drivers, it is important to wear your seatbelt.
KEEPING YOUR WORK AREA TIDY
Keeping your workspace organized and clear not only improves your workflow, but it can also keep you and your co-workers safe. Work with your employer to create a proper layout of your workspace with foot markings and stations for spills. If you discover a spill, clean it up immediately to prevent injury or accidents. It is also important to properly stack materials to avoid sliding and unnecessary obstacles.
MAKING SURE EQUIPMENT IS REGULARLY INSPECTED
When you use something day in, and day out, it is easy to let malfunctions go unnoticed. This is why it is important to have your tools, ladders, scaffolds, vehicles, and other equipment inspected and regularly maintained. Routine maintenance can go a long way in preventing avoidable accidents.
DON’T TAKE SHORTCUTS
It can be tempting to skip a step in a process to hurry it along, but taking shortcuts can result in costly accidents. Communicate with your team members and employer to ensure production instructions are well-organized and clear for all involved. This can help prevent unnecessary injuries.
PRACTICING PROPER LIFTING TECHNIQUES
It is important to know your physical limits for lifting and how to lift heavier objects properly. If you need help with a task, ask for assistance, or use equipment to help lift heavier loads. This will help prevent unneeded injuries and create a safer work environment for all involved.
Chiariello & Chiariello is a personal injury law firm based in Glen Cove, NY. We serve clients across Long Island, New York City, and surrounding areas. To receive a free consultation and learn more about our services, please contact us today at (516) 360-2869.
Connect with us
Archives
Categories
Follow Us