Staying safe at work should be a concern for not only employees but also businesses alike. That’s because everyone deserves the right to feel safe in the place where they’re employed.
Yet, despite putting regulations and protocols in place, workplace injuries occur every day. While we may not be able to stop them entirely, we can reduce their likelihood of occurring by understanding the primary causes behind them.
Here are some of the most common reasons people get hurt at work, and what you can do to create a safer work environment.
Lack of Training
One of the biggest reasons why people get hurt at work is because they simply don’t have proper training. Employees who are trained understand how to use their equipment safely and handle hazardous materials as they should. When you lack this kind of knowledge, it can lead to all sorts of malfunctions, injuries, and even death.
Prioritize training in your workplace, and make sure that you revisit all this information regularly. Learning it once often isn’t enough, as things can evolve, not to mention we may need to refresh our memories.
Slips and Falls
Slips and falls are one of the most common workplace accidents. Unfortunately, they can be one of the most dangerous, as a fall to the floor can lead to a neck, head, or back injury which could even be fatal.
Usually, slips and falls happen due to wet or cluttered surfaces, and in most cases, they could have entirely been avoided by simply taking a little bit of precaution.
Often it’s as simple as putting up a sign, and flagging dangerous areas to ensure people are aware of any hazards. A little bit of foresight can go a long way in avoiding any injury, yet it’s particularly true for slips and falls.
Overexertion
Physical overexertion is a real concern in many professions. Repetitive motions can lead to injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, and even sprains. If your job requires heavy lifting or other sort of repetitive tasks, it’s critical that you have the right ergonomics support. Perhaps most importantly you should take breaks regularly. Even though you may think that pushing through is the best way to get your to-to list done, the truth is that pushing through can lead to more time lost. This is because you overexert yourself and ultimately injure yourself, losing even more time than had you simply taken a little break.
Faulty Equipment and Machinery
Employees who use faulty or defective equipment can result in serious injuries. This is why it’s so important that machinery is regularly inspected and maintained. By keeping an eye on the state of your machinery, and always following the right protocol, you can reduce the risk of injuries due to faulty equipment.
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