Offices are environments of efficiency, productivity, and profitability. They can also become the scenes of mishaps and accidents. Whether in an office, at a work site, or in a warehouse, there are some unforeseen workplace hazards.
Accidents cannot be completely prevented, but most can be avoided with proper training, awareness, and precautions.
If there are accidents, injured workers should inform their employers immediately. Employers must report accidents to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), but injured workers should hire workers’ compensation lawyers to ensure they get the deserved compensation.
Keep reading to learn about five of the most common kinds of work-related accidents that workers and employers must be aware of.
1. Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slipping, tripping, and falling are the most common forms of workplace injuries and can happen in any type of workplace setting. In the office, it might be slippery floors, loose rugs, or cords in the hallway. On the warehouse floor or at the job site, uneven floors, floor spills, or floor obstacles could lead to accidents.
Even seemingly harmless falls can lead to serious injuries such as fractures, sprains, concussions, or total incapacitation. Caution signs, slip-resistant floors, and marked and assigned walking paths are some of the most effective ways to prevent mishaps.
Employees should be required to work in proper footwear to reduce the risk of falls.
2. Overexertion and Muscle Strain
Shoveling, lifting, or prolonged hard labor are among the most common causes of injury in the workplace. Muscle strains can, if left untreated, result in chronic pain or lifelong physical disability.
Injuries resulting from overexertion can result from inadequate training, absence of mechanical assistance, or unrealistic production expectations. These hazards can be reduced by using ergonomically designed tools, proper lifting training, and constant reminders to take breaks. The organization of work tasks can also be altered to restrict repetitive strain and reduce instances of overexertion injuries.
3. Falls from Heights
Falling from height is the most dangerous type of work accident, particularly during construction and maintenance operations. Whether falling from a scaffold, ladder, or rooftop, the end result of a fall from height can be catastrophic.
Employers are, according to OSHA, responsible for supplying fall protection equipment and appropriate training to workers.
4. Contact with Machinery or Equipment
When the equipment is broken, neglected, or operated inappropriately by workers, there will be accidents. Incidents can lead to severe injuries like bumps and bruises, fractures, amputations, or even fatalities.
Personal protective equipment such as gloves, hard hats, and eye shields can minimize the risk of injuries.
5. Hazardous Substance Exposures
Toxic fumes, chemical poisoning, and other dangerous chemicals are an all-too-real risk for most businesses, especially labs, factories, and hospitals. Offices, too, can subject employees to mold, hazardous cleaning products, and bad ventilation.
Proper training of workers in the safe handling of hazardous chemicals, labeling, regular air monitoring, and easy availability of PPE can make a huge difference in reducing chemical accidents. Employers should also check whether they are following safety data sheet regulation and government policy.
Workplace accidents can change the destiny of employers and employees who fall victim to accidents. From death by falling to ankle sprains, accidents always leave a mark. Fortunately, most hazards can be prevented through regular safety training, strict equipment policies, and an organizational culture based on risk awareness.
It is up to the employer to begin by taking the initiative and reducing likely hazards. Workers, too, must be attentive, adhere to protective practices, and look out for themselves. With cooperation on both sides in prevention and reporting of hazards, workplaces can be more productive and safer.