Workplace Injury Prevention

Workplace safety is vital for both employers and employees to prioritize. With a slew of dangers, such as heavy machinery and slippery floors, it’s no surprise that workplace accidents occur frequently. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers reported 2.8 million injuries and illnesses in 2022 alone. To make matters worse, over 5,000 people died from workplace accidents last year. It’s up to employers to provide a safe working environment, but workers have a role to play in Workplace Injury Prevention. Following simple injury prevention measures such as staying focused, avoiding distractions, wearing protective gear, and adhering to safety guidelines is critical in keeping everyone safe from harm.

 

Tip #1: Get proper training and follow best practice Workplace Injury Prevention Tips

 

First things first: make sure you receive adequate training for the job. Inexperience and poor safety training are a surefire recipe for injury. Ensure you are competent, properly qualified, and fully understand your duties. If you are unfamiliar with a task, project, piece of equipment, etc., ask your supervisor for direction.

Your employer is responsible for providing you with safety training specific to your job. This might mean safety education classes, orientation, injury and illness prevention programs, hands-on training, and safety manuals. If you notice a gap in workplace safety protocols, bring it up to your employer.

 


Tip #2: Use proper safety gear and equipment.

 

Protective gear is one of the simplest yet often neglected things that can greatly reduce the risks of workplace injuries. Utilizing safety gear is plain smart — and certain personal protective equipment (PPE) is actually a legal requirement.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires safety equipment to reduce workers’ exposure to hazards. PPE may include items such as:

  • Gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Safety shoes
  • Earplugs
  • Hard hats
  • Respirators
  • Protective clothing, e.g., overalls and vests

Your employer is responsible for explaining the policies for protective gear and equipment, and you are responsible for using/wearing it.

“Employers are also required to train each worker required to use personal protective equipment to know when it is necessary; what kind is necessary; how to properly put it on, adjust, wear and take it off; the limitations of the equipment; [and] proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of the equipment,” OHSA explains.

Tip #3: Keep your work area clean.

 

Dirty, messy, and unorganized work environments mainly contribute to workplace accidents and occupational illnesses. Electrical cords and mislaid equipment or debris are fire hazards and major contributors to trips and falls. Spilled oils and liquids can also lead to a serious slip and fall.

Keeping your workstation clean, organized, and clutter-free will enable you to do your job better and reduce your risk of a potentially serious accident.

Similarly, you also want to ensure your work area has proper ventilation. Indoor air pollution in the workplace is not uncommon. Chemical exposure, dust, and other types of indoor pollution can damage the eyes, sinuses, throat, and skin.

Your employer should have workplace cleanliness standards and regular cleaning practices in place.

The CCOHS explains, “[Workplace] housekeeping order is ‘maintained’ not achieved.’ Cleaning and organization must be done regularly, not just at the end of the shift… A good housekeeping program identifies and assigns responsibilities for the following:

  • clean up during the shift
  • day-to-day cleanup
  • waste disposal
  • removal of unused materials
  • inspection to ensure the cleanup is complete.”

Tip #4: Reduce workplace stress.

 

The workplace can be extremely stressful, no doubt. Long hours, hazardous conditions, strained coworker dynamics, infrequent breaks, job insecurity, and chaotic work environments can cause substantial stress.

While you cannot control all your stressors, it is important to eliminate those you can and find healthy ways to manage those you cannot. Your health and safety could depend on it. Stress is related a numerous health issues. For example, workers with high levels of job stress are 68 percent more at risk for heart disease, reports the National Safety Council.

To reduce workplace stress, you can:

  • Take short, frequent breaks to avoid mental burnout. This will also allow you to stretch and move around to help prevent musculoskeletal injuries common with repetitive use.
  • Only take on the amount of work or hours you can handle. Avoid the temptation to bite off more than you can chew.
  • Avoid engaging with negative coworkers. Start creating a strong and positive social network with other workers.
  • Take it easy on yourself. You are not perfect — nobody is. Look at work-related mistakes and setbacks as opportunities, not failures.

 

Tip #5: Report unsafe conditions.

 

If you notice an unsafe condition, notify your supervisor or management. You need to inform them so they can address the hazard. If your supervisor ignores your concerns, you can report the issue to the OHSA.  You can file a complaint in one of three ways:

 

The OHSA will investigate any complaints of serious hazards or safety violations. Common violations include lack of fall protection, inadequate chemical hazard training, improper scaffolding, lack of an established respiratory protection program, and the use of defective or unsuitable ladders.

Do not continue to work in conditions you know are extremely unsafe. Workers do not need to be worried about retaliation if they file a complaint. The agency assures: “Complaints from workers or their representatives are taken seriously by OSHA. OSHA will keep your information confidential.”

 

Tip #6: Continually increase your industry safety savvy.

 

Workplace safety is not a one-time task; it is something you need to practice on a routine basis. Stay up-to-date on your particular industry’s safety standards and implement them at work.

There are a lot of resources out there that can help with Workplace Injury Prevention. You can attend industry seminars and conferences, read the latest copy of the NSC’s Safety + Health periodical and other trade journals, and check out some of the OHSA’s e-tools and prevention videos.

 

 

Safety Matters: Get the Knowledge and Legal Support You Deserve for Workplace Injuries

 

Creating a safe work environment should be a top priority for every business, and following best practices for injury prevention is one way to achieve that goal. From maintaining clean and organized workspaces to providing proper safety equipment and training, employers and employees can take various steps to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries on the job. To further enhance your knowledge and understanding of safety topics, be sure to check out our library. And if you do experience a workplace injury, know that the attorneys of Gallon, Takcas & Boissoneault are here to help you navigate the legal process and get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 419-843-6663 or by using our online contact form. We can Help!