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Workplace Accidents: 10 Tips For Prevention

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workplace accidents

Workplace accidents affect directly and indirectly a business; sometimes these accidents can even lead to the death of an individual. As of 2015, worker deaths in the United States are 13 per day; however these deaths and injuries can be prevented.

Workplace accidents can add costs to the business in the form of medical expenses, compensation, and legal procedures. The indirect costs of workplace accidents include additional employees training, productivity loss, repairing equipments and accident investigations.

The following tips can be useful to create a safer workplace and to avoid usual workplace accidents.

Safety Plan

A safe workplace relies on an efficient accident prevention program. The program should cover the safety and health of all employees and hazardous behavior or practices must be reported. These reports can be useful to track safety practices and eventually, it can avoid workplace accidents.

Screening Employees

Few accidents happen due to the inability and lack of experience of the workers. Pre-employment screening is recommended to find the right candidates with required work experience and physical capabilities for the corresponding position.

See our related article Most Common Workplace Accidents and Injuries You Should Know About

Safety Training

You should frequently promote a safety standard in the workplace among all employees in every position. Training should be given to employees regarding safety measures so that they will get to know the importance of workplace safety. To avoid strain injuries and for safe lifting and moving, supplemental training about body mechanics is recommended.

Finding Vulnerabilities

Every business has its own vulnerabilities and it needs different safety standards. Most workplace accidents can be prevented with proper safety standards and training. Discuss with a safety expert and find out what the possible vulnerabilities are and the ways to prevent them effectively.

See our related article How to Claim Compensation for Workplace Injuries

Using Protection Equipments

Employees at all levels should be provided with personal protection gear and you must make sure they use it at the right time. Improper handling of personal protection equipments can also cause injuries to people, so educate everyone on using hard hats, having face protection and on using goggles, earplugs, gloves and safety shoes in the right way.

Adequate Staffing

Inadequate staffing requires the implementation of overtime. When employees work overtime, they may get exhausted and fail to meet the desired output. There is also a risk for accidents due to exhaustion, as employees may lack diligence and focus. Having seasonal staff or part-time employees could increase productivity and also avoid accidents because of exhaustion.

Following Standards Strictly

When employees skip some steps just to finish a task before deadlines or other reasons, accidents happen. These accidents can be prevented if everyone follows all instructions and standard operating procedures. Ensure that your workplace has clear instructions and is more organized to avoid unwanted accidents.

Vehicles Maintenance

Driving accidents happen due to poor maintenance of vehicles and improper driving or inadequate staffing. Make sure all the company vehicles are inspected and maintained periodically to avoid such accidents. Workplace-driving accidents cost more including employee compensation, healthcare expenses and vehicle repair.

Monitoring Safety Standards

Some employers don't care about safety after training and this becomes a loophole in workplace safety. Safety measures in a workplace should be monitored regularly through supervision, education and staff meetings. Commonly, employers reward employees for their performance; in the same way, employees should be rewarded for following safety standards. This will encourage employees at all levels to follow safety measures in the workplace.

Organized Workplace

A workplace should be clean and organized to avoid safety and health hazards. Assuring a debris-free environment, with floors without spills and enough foot path, which may prevent accidents related to slipping, tripping and falling.

Workplace accidents cost a lot not only on the part of employers but also on the part of workers. Accident prevention and wellness programs should educate employees and keep everyone safe.