When it comes to workplace accidents, no employer wants to think that it is going to happen to his or her employees. Some accidents can result in serious, life threatening injuries. As the employer, it is up to you to ensure that your workers are as safe as possible.
As you try to prepare your company for the different types of risks, you may be wondering, are workplace injuries avoidable?
Accidents Can Happen
Since many accidents are unforeseen, they cannot all be avoided. However, the risks can be diminished. Accidents can happen in any industry. You may think that accidents only occur in high-risk industries, such as construction or logging, but the truth is that retail workers, office workers and others are also prone to injury.
Before you can address how to prevent workplace injuries, you have to know how they happen. Some of the most common workplace injuries include:
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Slips and falls
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Cuts and lacerations
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Collisions and crashes
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Falling object accidents
Some injuries may also be more cumulative. For instance, if you are exposed to loud noises on a regular basis, you could suffer hearing loss or eardrum ruptures over time. Other cumulative injuries include illnesses that develop over time. Those who work around asbestos may develop mesothelioma. Office workers, on the other hand, may have carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive movement.
Training Mitigates Accident Risk
Every industry has its own specific risks. What is risky for employees on a construction site may not be the same as the risks that a person working retail might have. To protect your employees, you have to take into consideration the risks involved with the work. Once you understand the risks, you can begin to properly train your employees.
Employee training is one of the most effective ways to fight against workplace accidents. Not only do employees need to understand the risks of the injury, but they also need to understand the risks of their position. Create training programs that are customized to a worker’s position in the company. All employees should know how to properly use equipment and how to follow safety procedures.
Following Guidelines Prevent Injuries
OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Act, has standards that all employers should follow to ensure company safety. When you have guidelines in place, it can help to protect your employees against hazards, injuries, illness and other risks. Effective guidelines and other plans will address all of the different hazards in your industry. The guidelines should also prioritize certain hazards. Those hazards that may cause the most serious injuries are the hazards that you should address first.
Discussion Addresses Safety Hazards
Open discussion is important in any business. If you want to avoid workplace accidents, employees have to feel comfortable enough to speak up about safety hazards. You may miss different hazards on the floor. For instance, there may be a piece of equipment that is acting up or one of your employees may be practicing unsafe habits and putting him or herself at risk, along with other employees. If your employees do not feel comfortable sharing this information, accidents may occur that could have been avoided.
Encourage your staff to tell their superiors about any unsafe practices. If there is any danger or if an accident occurs, you need to know about it. This is the only way you can plan to avoid an accident in the future.
Clean Workspaces Encourage Fewer Accidents
Do you have a clean and tidy workspace for your employees? Not only do clean workspaces encourage productivity, but they can also prevent workplace injuries. Employees are less likely to trip over obstacles. Construction sites, for instance, can be particularly dangerous if you do not clean up the debris. Not only could your employees be hurt on the job, but guests could also be harmed if they enter a building or job site with debris or obstacles to trip and fall over. Guests and clients can contact a personal injury attorney Las Vegas residents trust when injured.
No business owner wants to think about their employees suffering illness or injury while at work. After all, the workplace is supposed to be safe. No one should go to work and worry about injuries. Now, the truth is that accidents can happen anywhere. No matter what industry you work in, it is possible that your employees will have accidents now and then.
This doesn’t mean that accidents aren’t preventable, however. There are ways that you can help mitigate the risks for your employees.
