Has one of your employees been involved in an accident at work? It is estimated that there are more than 5,250 fatal work-related injuries in 2018, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor.
Of course, many more people are injured, and no ethical employer would want their employees to die, but prevention is better than cure.
Slips, trips, and falls are the most common causes of workplace accidents, according to the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
What should you do if your employee becomes a victim of one of the many common workplace accidents? Here’s everything you need to know.
Training
Training of employees is important to preventing accidents; machine operators and forklift drivers should have been trained in the safest methods.
Training should be done regularly and should be ongoing. It’s easy to skimp on training, but it is important.
Be sure to make it clear to your employees that if they are struggling with a health and safety issue, they should ask. They should never feel afraid to ask about an issue of protocol. Health and safety should always come before profit.
This includes specialist training, such as in the potential hazards of ethyl acetate and how to prevent spills.
Fortunately, not all industries take this risk, but, as with all health and safety issues, a paper trail shows that one was negligent when the worst happened, and an accident happened.
Remember, training should also be carried out with electrical safety equipment as well.
Small Company, High Security
Large companies are usually known for their high security level; small companies overlook this, but it is not to be underestimated.
If there is a job risk, it can be difficult to identify it, but ideally, you should seek help from an expert in identifying job risks, such as a risk management expert.
Alternatively, you can attend risk assessment courses or send key personnel to learn these skills.
Regular checks and reports must be carried out by all employees, whether they work in the office or on the construction site. Remember, you need to have sufficient space for the storage for equipment to prevent cluttering, which can also be a hazard.
By following these guidelines, you are fulfilling your duties as an ethical employer and protecting yourself from costly lawsuits and reputational damage to your business.
1.Accidents Caused by Negligence
Remember, you can be prosecuted if an accident is caused by negligence. If your facility is open to the public, you are also responsible for their protection.
Regular safety checks protect employees, customers, and ultimately, your company, so go into your plant with one eye on it.
There are no railings, stairs, or ramps, there is no clutter that could cause someone to stumble, and there are slippery surfaces that can cause a fall, even if they are not visible.
Ideally, it would help if you spoke with a consultant who will help you and take a course to pass the security exam. Keep a paper trail to show that you have done everything you can to eliminate potential hazards.
2.Heavy Lifting Accidents
The work is physically demanding, and even light lifting can lead to unpleasant injuries. Therefore, make sure your employees are trained in the correct handling of lifting.
Ask them if they are aware of faulty or dangerous lifting activities and ensure they have trained in the correct handling and lifting techniques, even if this is only for a few minutes.
This type of accident accounts for most accidents related to work accidents and covers a wide range of situations.
By getting your employees to move, lift and carry objects, you are less likely to have an accident. Ensure employees carry items from one place to another; a shopping cart or funnel is a good example.
As a rule of thumb, watch out for areas where objects are moving and be clearly marked to remind you of the need for caution.
3.Accidents That Involve The Public
If employees deal with the public in tense situations, they must be fully trained and equipped with all the tools they need to protect themselves.
Of course, violent crime in the workplace is always possible, and managing payroll with cash puts employees at risk by providing an incentive for potentially violent criminals.
Look for high-risk areas and find ways to reduce risk, but don’t look away from your employees, even if it means looking after yourself.
Formulate a strict health and safety checklist and carry out regular inspections to see what categories of accidents at work could be applied to each situation.
Of course, such accidents are often severe, and falls from above can account for up to eight percent of all workplace accidents, whether they are a ladder fall or a high-rise building. Safety belts, railings, and handrails – over – railings are often the best solution but must be regularly checked and maintained.
Common Workplace Accidents: Prepare For All Occasions
The most common workplace accidents are the ones where the employees have not been trained properly.
Ensuring that your employees have gone through all the necessary checks and balances is important. But you must also make sure that your employers are aware that health and safety is an ongoing practice.
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From heavy lifting accidents to accidents caused by negligence, there are so many different types of tragedies. Thankfully, workplace accident prevention is a common part of all workplace strategies today.
If you want to know more about common workplace accidents, be sure to check out the rest of our site.