Preventing Workplace Accidents

The best way to avoid dealing with the hassles of a workplace accident is to prevent the workplace accident from ever happening.  Knowing about the risks of your particular job and how to mitigate those risks can go a long way to ensure workplace safety.  While many companies provide comprehensive safety and training guides or workshops, other companies may offer none.  The more knowledge workers have about the risks of the job, the better prepared they are to approach them.

Of the most common workplace accidents, many are avoidable.

Overexertion

Overexertion injuries can occur when moving heavy objects.  There are many methods to prevent an overexertion accident.  Workers can use tools or devices to properly move heavy objects.  If none such tools exist, workers can enlist the aid of other workers too.  The training of proper lifting or carrying methods can also prevent overexertion injuries, such as muscle strains or sprains.

Slips and falls

Whether it’s a slip and fall, a slip without fall, or a fall from an elevated position, proper workplace maintenance can go a long way in preventing a workplace accident.  A cluttered work area can pose all sorts of trip hazards.  Improperly constructed scaffolds or poorly-kept ladders can lead to serious falls.  Ensuring a clean and well-maintained work environment can prevent slips and falls.  Be sure to report any potential hazards to supervisors or managers so they can be addressed.

Struck by object or equipment

Not every workplace accident is avoidable, but many are possible to anticipate.  Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary.  Hardhats or helmets, eye protection, gloves, visible clothing, and appropriate footwear can prevent some accidents from happening and reduce or prevent injuries when they do.  Be aware of your surroundings and avoid working underneath working machinery.

Adverse body reactions

Many jobs require workers to take physical actions that result in some awkward positions.  Bending over or kneeling to inspect something, crawling under desks to plug something in, reaching for something on a high shelf; all of these actions can cause a tweaked muscle or unexpected sprain.  Proper conditioning and certain tools or PPE can prevent these type of strain injuries from occurring.