Accidents are common even in the safest work environments. As such, particularly in the more dangerous occupations, you must be aware of potential hazards and the measures to prevent them for your and your co-workers, good health.
Though hazards are usually linked with specific types of work, a few are common to all. Therefore, trying to prevent these hazards should be considered the bare minimum for any company when considering safety protocol.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slip, trip, and fall accidents are all too common in the workplace, whether due to uneven surfaces, wet floors, or cluttered walkways. High-risk areas in most work environments will include:
Stairways
Install handrails anywhere necessary and ensure the top and bottom stairs are demarcated by high-visibility tape or its equivalent to improve visibility. Stairways are one of the most common causes of accidents. Make sure that you safeguard yourself and your employees in areas with stairs.
Loose Cords
In any environment with heavy electrical equipment, ensure that cords and wires are safely stored away. In addition, ensure any appliances are unplugged and put away to avoid wires obstructing and tangling.
Electrical Accidents
It is likely that at home and in the workplace, you are encouraged to use appliances to save money on rising electricity bills. However, do not neglect safety to save money. Some of the worst electrical accidents can result in severe injuries. Some of the ways to prevent electrical hazards include:
- Regular maintenance: To reduce the chance of malfunctions like a circuit breaker trip or a broken fuse.
- Replace lightbulbs: Replacement lightbulbs are often cheap and reduce the chance of a broken bulb setting on fire or causing electrocution. New lightbulbs also save money; newer bulbs are more energy efficient.
- Store electrical appliances safely: Don’t store anything electrical in areas with other fire risks or places where liquids are stored for obvious safety reasons.
Luckily, most ways to safely use electricity often improve efficiency, meaning you can stay safe and save money simultaneously.
Staff Training
Whether it be ensuring a designated first aider in the workplace or training employees on fire safety protocols, staff training is essential for preventing and responding to accidents. Employees could file work accident claims if they suspected that a lack of training caused an injury.
Machinery
Operating heavy machinery can be dangerous if not done with caution. Ensure that you are all fully trained to use the machinery, whether it is you or your employees who use it. Once again, regular maintenance, vigilance and preparation are the basics when dealing with potentially dangerous equipment.
Hazardous Substances
Working with hazardous substances requires extra precautions. Employees should be provided with proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and trained on its use. Follow correct procedures for handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous materials and regularly inspect and maintain safety equipment to keep everyone in the workplace safe. Finally, do not underestimate the danger of unsafe substances. Some can burn straight through the skin or even cause blindness.
Staying Safe at Work
Accidents in the workplace can have devastating consequences, affecting not only the injured employee but also the organisation’s overall productivity. Employees should expect this advice to be followed as standard, and if they expect these rules to be broken, they are well within their rights to pursue a lawsuit.
