Highlights
- Workplace injuries affect millions of U.S. workers every year, but most of them could be prevented with the right safety measures in place.
- Providing regular, on-going training for employees and management, as well as encouraging open communication and reporting, are essential to minimize accidents.
- At Access Point, we work with a team of risk experts who can provide safety training and develop customized safety plans for your company. Contact us to get started!
In 2022 alone, work-related injuries claimed the lives of 15 U.S. workers every day. And that’s not all. A staggering 2.8 million workers suffer nonfatal workplace injuries every year, often caused by falls, electrocution, or being struck by objects. However, with a proactive approach, you can prevent common workplace injuries and build a safer work environment.
Want a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce? Prioritize safety! Let’s explore 5 key strategies to get you started.
How to Prevent Common Workplace Injuries
Every workplace should be a place where employees feel safe and secure. But unfortunately, millions of workers experience injuries on the job each year.
Workplace injuries can be devastating and irreparable for employees and their families. They can also be costly for businesses, leading to lost productivity, increased healthcare costs, and even legal repercussions. In fact, breaches of OSHA safety protocols exposing employees to undue risk can cost employers up to five years in prison, a $600,000 fine, or both.
The good news? Many of these incidents can be prevented with proper workplace safety practices. By taking proactive steps to prevent injuries, you can reduce the probability of on-the-job injuries.
Let’s dive into five effective tactics your business can implement to prevent common workplace injuries:
Follow the Boy Scout Motto, “Be Prepared”
Even with the best prevention, accidents can still occur. Ensure your team is prepared to handle emergencies by having first aid kits and AEDs (automated external defibrillators) readily available. Furthermore, empower your staff by ensuring everyone knows how to use this safety equipment.
Here are some additional steps to consider:
- Incorporate a safety and wellness plan into your new hire orientation
- Create workstation checklists and emergency action plans
- Designate a safety leader for employee questions and concerns
Educate Employees and Management
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to preventing common workplace injuries. By equipping both employees and management with the right information, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
Here’s a proactive approach:
Ensure that someone is reviewing accidents, conducting periodic inspections and developing specific job descriptions to help prevent mishaps. Try to:
- Develop a comprehensive safety policy that aligns with OSHA laws
- Implement ongoing safety training
- Display safety posters and procedures
- Recognize and reward employees who consistently prioritize safety.
- Establish clear disciplinary actions for violations of safety protocols.
- Keep detailed records of all incidents for trend analysis.
Provide Proper Equipment
Regardless of your industry, equipping employees with the appropriate safety equipment is crucial for preventing workplace injuries.
Having the proper gloves, goggles, hardhats, boots, and uniforms is important. But remember that not all injuries happen on construction sites or in factories. Offices can be fraught with the potential for accidents and repetitive motion injuries.
Here are some key considerations:
- For jobs involving repetitive motions, provide gel arm pads or other ergonomic support to prevent carpal tunnel
- Encourage frequent breaks for activities that prevent fatigue and promote healthy movement patterns.
- Maintain a clean and organized work environment with adequate space for employees and equipment to minimize the risk of slips, trips, and falls.
Encourage Open Communication and Reporting
Cultivating open communication in the workplace is key to preventing accidents. Employees should feel comfortable reporting any unsafe conditions, near misses, or safety concerns.
A few ideas to encourage this:
- Management should have a clear open-door policy, allowing employees to voice concerns directly.
- Consider establishing an anonymous reporting system for incidents or safety hazards.
- Host regular safety meetings where employees can openly discuss concerns, ask questions, and provide feedback.
Regularly Inspect and Maintain Equipment and Tools
Defective equipment and tools are a major cause of workplace injuries. Here’s how to minimize this risk:
- Develop a routine for inspecting equipment and tools to ensure they’re in safe working order.
- Create a system for reporting and repairing any damaged equipment promptly.
- Train employees in proper equipment use and basic maintenance procedures.
Create a Safer Workplace with Access Point
Ensuring workplace safety is not just a compliance requirement: It’s your obligation to your employees and a smart business decision.
When you implement proactive strategies to prioritize safety, you can significantly reduce the risk of workplace injuries, improve employee well-being, and keep your business safe and running!
At AccessPoint, our team of safety experts brings the assurance of safety education to your company. We provide up-to-date health and safety plans, compliance inspections, and health and safety training to help get your safety program in shape and reduce work-related injuries.
Speak with a safety professional today!