Each year, workplace injuries result in an estimated loss of $1,590 and an average of 11 days of absence per employee. Injuries affect a worker’s productivity that, in turn, impacts the output of a business. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the incidence of accidents at the worksite and prevent injuries from occurring that will cost your business money and at worst, put you out of business. From removing common hazards to strict enforcement of safety protocols, it is possible to cut down the rate of injuries at the place of work.
Table of Contents
Common Work Hazards that Can Be Eliminated
One of the most common injuries at job sites are falls that lead to compensation costs and medical bills. Lawyers in Austin, TX warn that a worker does not have to tumble from a great height for an accident to become serious. It can happen anytime and anywhere in a workplace environment. Therefore, it is the in interest of business owners to enhance safety and reduce the risk of a fall-related injury. Ensuring the safety of a work environment also lowers the chances of personal injury claims that may arise if it can be proven that an employer’s conduct intentionally or likely caused harm or death.
Hence, to improve a worksite’s friendliness to its employees, management can get rid of common culprits that may cause trips, slips, and falls. These include inadequate lighting, uneven floor coverings and surfaces as well as wet and slippery floors. Pathway obstacles such as poorly placed tables, benches, or chairs must also be removed or put in a safe area. In short, eliminating everyday hazards boils down to good housekeeping. All cords and cables must be secured in addition to cleaning up spills and keeping surfaces dry and free of grease. Signage and markings must be put for uneven flooring surfaces so that everyone is warned of a potential danger.
Mitigating the Risks of Dangerous Work
In addition to removing common hazards at job sites, accommodating perilous work requirements is also essential. Thus, strict enforcement of proper fall protection gear is critical if an employee is expected to carry out their duties at dangerous heights. Waterproof and non-slip footwear are also highly recommended as appropriate training for ladder safety and wearing of protective equipment. If you have a lone worker at a site, no one might know if they fall or are injured. Hence, you might want to invest in a monitoring device and motion sensors to make sure that your employees are safe when they are performing their duties alone.
Reducing the risks of workplace injuries such as slips and falls is possible by implementing safety measures and procedures. Enforcing these protocols and educating everyone in your business can decrease the occurrence of injuries making your work premises a safe environment.
