Over two million Americans are injured in the workplace every year, which shows that many employers are overlooking safety precautions.
Knowing the most common workplace injuries is essential for keeping yourself safe and improving employees’ quality of life. But if you’re unfamiliar with this area of your industry, it can be difficult to know where to start. Maybe that’s why you’re here; you’ve noticed a string of accidents at your workplace and you want to learn more.
Sounds like you? No worries; we’ve got you covered. Here are the three most common workplace injuries to look out for.
1. Slips, Trips, and Falls
One of the most common work-related injuries is when employees slip, trip, or fall. This happens if the floor is icy or wet, which means staff must wipe up spills immediately. Employees should also be mindful of tripping over wires snaking across the floor or if there’s poor lighting in the workplace.
Further, employees can get hurt at work after a fall. For instance, staff can fall off a ladder or scaffolding, which makes them vulnerable to severe injuries such as broken bones or even a concussion.
2. Struck By Falling Objects
Being struck by falling objects makes it on the list of top workplace accidents.
Many employees suffer this if they overstuff shelves with items or push them close to the edge. As a result, staff may suffer a head injury or broken limbs. To avoid this, employers should regularly host sessions based on employee safety and teach staff how to properly store items after use.
Further, staff members can be exposed to harmful substances, especially if they’re on the production line. If employees aren’t properly trained or given the right equipment, there’s a risk of suffering eye or skin injuries. To be safe, prioritize personal protection equipment (PPE) complete with goggles, gloves, and ear protection.
3. Crashes or Collisions
Crashes or collisions are also common employee injuries.
This could happen if staff members are operating forklifts or driving another motor vehicle. For instance, employees may fall from a vehicle or collide with another vehicle on the premises. But, like with all accidents on this list, it’s preventable by investing in behavior based safety for your employees.
In the worst-case scenario, there is a risk of fires or explosions in the workplace. Although it’s less common, this can happen if staff aren’t safely managing chemicals, which can cause havoc in the workplace. As a result, employees may suffer from severe burns which result in severe respiratory problems.
Know the Top Three Workplace Injuries Today
Hopefully, after knowing these workplace injuries, you’ll be safe at work.
There are many common causes, such as suffering a trip or a fall during a shift. There’s also a risk of suffering a crash when operating a vehicle or even being involved in an explosion, so it’s important to receive the necessary training and support to keep everyone safe. Good luck!
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