Show Workplace safety is a serious issue for all the members of an organisation, top to bottom. Whether it is an office desk job, running a cash register for a store, or maintain crucial utility infrastructures, every workplace has some level of risk of injury—frankly, some pose more than others. Despite the country’s efforts to improve and update standards and regulations, why do these accidents still occur? When people do not follow the standards, there is inadequacy in compliance. Inadequacy then turns to loss of time, money, and eventually (more so unfortunately) fatalities, fines, and lawsuits. If staff members develop a better understanding of what causes accidents at work and how can they be avoided, then one can influence the others to be in a much better position to prevent them occurring in the workplace. In this article we look at the general causes of accidents:
Safety management in the workplace should be a recurring arrangement for all the employees. Which means it must continually evolve and improve operations. While workspace catastrophes do occur in ways we cannot anticipate, preventive measures are available from a wide range of resources to keep your workforce in a safe working environment physically and mentally. There is no later time to provide adequate training, and skills retention for the team. Having routine inspections can help identify hazards. Working to address these hazards in a timely and efficient manner is essential to the safety of every employee. Call us on 02 8883 1694 to discuss your needs with one of our consultants today or use the quick contact form to request a quote.
Overexertion can happen with lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, carrying, or throwing objects. These injuries cost businesses $12.63 billion in 2019, or 21.76 percent of the overall national burden, according to the 2022 Workplace Safety Index. To prevent injuries related to overexertion, be sure to provide your employees with ergonomic equipment and properly train them about safety involving physical tasks. 2. Falls on same levelSame-level falls can occur anywhere and happen to anyone at a workplace, which is why they’re so common. Loose wires, wet floors, or even a file cabinet drawer left open can cause people to trip or slip. These accidents accounted for $10.26 billion in workers’ compensation costs in the United States, or 17.67 percent of the total. 3. Struck by object or equipmentBeing struck by a falling object or a piece of equipment is one of the leading causes of death in the construction industry, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and other industries aren’t immune from such accidents. Workers who are hit with flying pieces of equipment or machinery accounted for $5.66 billion in workers’ compensation costs, or 9.76 percent of the total. 4. Falls to lower levelFalling from a height, such as a ladder or a roof, to a lower surface can cause major injuries and even death. While not as common as same-level falls, they make up 8.73 percent of the total injury burden, resulting in $5.07 billion in overall costs. Protect your employees from these accidents by providing them with the right kind of equipment and fall protection gear. 5. Other exertions or bodily reactionsBodily reactions and exertions rank fifth on the Workplace Safety Index and are caused when a person is engaged in a strenuous effort or excessive physical motion. Repetitive actions are often the cause, so they can happen with just about any kind of job. These injuries cost businesses $4.01 billion, or 6.91 percent of the total injury burden. 6. Roadway incidents involving motorized land vehiclesMotorized land vehicles can include everything from trucks to motorcycles, and an incident can involve the driver, a passenger, or even a pedestrian. These injuries make up $3.59 billion of workers’ compensation costs in the United States, or 6.18 percent of the total. 22nd May 2019 Personal Injury Many people take a safe working environment for granted, assured in the knowledge that accidents in their role are incredibly rare. However, becoming complacent while carrying out everyday tasks can mean that even workplaces with less obvious hazards can pose risks to employees, no matter what their roles are. Accidents can take place anywhere, and more serious incidents can have a long-term physical and emotional impact on those affected, while also having significant financial implications for the business itself. With this in mind, in this blog post, we will explore the five most common reasons why injuries occur in the workplace. 1) Overexertion and tirednessMost types of physical activity will become tiring if they are carried out over a long period of time. Accidents relating to physical exertion, such as lifting, bending, pulling, pushing and kneeling are incredibly common, particularly if employees do not take regular breaks. However, even jobs that do not require individuals to lift heavy loads can also pose a risk. Regularly lifting lighter loads, such as files and boxes, can be detrimental to a person’s health if proper lifting techniques are not practised. 2) Slips, trips and fallsAccording to the Health and Safety Executive, an average of two employees die every year as a result of a slip, trip or fall on the same level. This figure increases considerably when taking into account falls from height and other types of related incidents. However, slips, trips and falls are some of the easiest workplace accidents to avoid. Very often, negligent employees leave file drawers open or fail to use the proper equipment when reaching for items, which as a result, puts lives at risk. Loose electrical cords and wires can also pose a significant risk in the workplace. It is vital that all employees are aware of any spills, wet floors or slippery surfaces when walking around the workplace, while also taking steps to prevent them. 3) DistractionsIt is an unfortunate reality that distractions play a significant role in a worker’s day-to-day safety. If a person is carrying out the same task for a long period of time, boredom can cloud their judgement. Accidents regularly occur when employees are distracted, for instance, tripping over clutter or walking into things when using their mobile phone. This can be avoided by allowing employees to take regular breaks and enjoy a change of scenery throughout the day, ensuring they go back to their jobs refreshed and able to concentrate. 4) Messy work environmentsClient-facing businesses are often better at keeping their workplace tidy, compared to those that do not regularly have visitors. Housekeeping is generally a good indicator of a company’s attitude towards safety and quality, which means it is particularly important for all companies to ensure their environments are tidy. Poor housekeeping has the potential to create a considerable number of hazards, which can lead to accidents. On the other hand, a well-maintained workplace sets a good example and promotes a healthier working environment for everyone. 5) Cutting cornersIt can often be tempting to take shortcuts in order to get jobs done faster; however, doing so can lead to a whole host of hazards. Cutting corners in a way that reduces safety will undoubtedly increase the risk of injury. For this reason, members of management should roll out proper procedures for all tasks on a regular basis to ensure that members of staff are fully aware of the risks associated with shortcuts. If you have been injured at work due to the negligence of another employee, contact JMW Solicitors today by calling 0345 872 6666 or visit our Contact Us page. Our workplace accident specialists are on hand to guide you through the claims process. |