No business is safe from the risks of employees getting injured in the workplace. No matter what type of industry, if your business has employees, injuries may happen. The most common workplace injuries and accidents vary from slips, falls, repetitive strain, crashes, lacerations, exposure to loud noise, and inhaling toxic fumes. These injuries can directly affect a business’ operations and finances, especially when dealing with employees’ compensation costs.
According to a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers reported 2.8 million nonfatal workplace illnesses and injuries in 2019, which remained unchanged since 2018. These workplace accidents result not only in physical harm to workers but also financial harm to employers.
It’s easy to see why employers are hiring service firms to ensure worker safety and optimal efficiency in business operations. For example, hydroblasting companies offer cleaning services associated with complex industrial applications, such as tanks, vessels, and building structures.
Every employer has the legal responsibility to keep their employees safe from any form of harm. In turn, employees need to stay cautious and alert while following safety measures. In this article, we’re going to discuss the common workplace accidents, what to do in the event of an accident, and proper strategies to maintain a safe workplace.
Common workplace accidents
Different industries encounter different forms of hazards and workplace accidents. But the biggest causes of workplace injury are those that harm the physical body. One example is overexertion, a problem that affects nearly every industry. Workers who overexert themselves at work often suffer from muscle strains caused by moving or lifting heavy objects.
Meanwhile, others experience severe wounds because of falling objects. They often occur when heavy objects fall from the filing cabinet, warehouse shelf, or any high surface that can leave serious injuries on the employee. Collisions with heavy-duty equipment can also incur harm when the employee fails to receive proper training on certain equipment.
This also applies to machinery entanglement, which typically happens in manufacturing facilities and other workplaces that involve machinery. Insufficient training may likely expose the employee from incidents by getting their body part, hair, or clothing caught on the machinery. Accidents involving fire and chemical exposure also cause physical harm, whether by inhalation or skin contact.
Slips, trips, and falls are also one of the major causes of workplace injuries. This happens when an employee loses their balance in worksites by working at elevated places. Electrocutions and fire are also common occurrences in industrial businesses that may lead to tragic deaths.
Proper measures in the event of workplace accidents
It’s important to stay prepared for every accident that may happen. If the employer fails to handle it well, they are exposing their employees to further harm. Occupational health workers can help them do the job by providing initial care.
In the event of an accident, don’t forget to check the injuries. If they require immediate medical attention, call 911 quickly. After the worker has been taken out of the scene, gather information about the accident. Secure the site and interview witnesses to gain insight into what happened. A claim form is also necessary to allow the employee to file a claim for the damages they incurred. They should receive proper reimbursement for medical treatment and work hours.
When an accident happens, the company should inform the worker’s insurance company about the accident. An incident report is also necessary to file a report to OSHA.
Preventing workplace accidents
While it’s important to know about the types of workplace accidents, it would be better if you know the right safety measures to avoid them completely. Accidents happen, but there are ways to reduce the severity and number of workplace injuries by following occupational safety guidelines.
Safety training programs educate employees on following safety measures in the workplace. They also cover the correct management of hazardous equipment and what to do during certain accidents. This information will help employers evaluate their business hazards and establish a set of rules to prevent them from happening. Warning signage or label hazards are also a must to alert employees before touching any equipment or doing any hazardous work.
Employers should also provide safety equipment, conduct emergency drills, and keep the workplace orderly and clean. A workplace that is always ready to tackle any form of accident is more likely to reduce the chances of workplace injuries.
Workplace injuries can happen at any time. While they are unavoidable, follow our suggestions above to ensure a safer work environment for you, your employees, and your business. More than anything else, observing safety measures should be a top priority in any organization so you and your workers can achieve good health, work satisfaction, and optimum productivity.
