Trips, slips, and falls account for more than a quarter of all nonfatal workplace injuries.
Workplace accidents can have devastating effects on employees, their families, and companies as a whole.
They typically range from minor injuries to permanent disabilities and even death. Understanding the causes of workplace accidents is crucial in preventing them from happening in the first place.
To make things easier for you, we have put together a guide. Keep reading to find out more.
Over Exertion
This is one of the leading causes of workplace injuries. Employees often overexert themselves when they are lifting, pushing, holding, or throwing heavy objects.
Employees who perform repetitive motions for extended periods of time are at risk of over-exerting themselves.
To reduce the risk of over-exertion injuries, business owners should provide their employees with the proper training and equipment.
Falls on the Same Level
One of the most common causes of this type of injury is when employees slip or trip on a wet or cluttered floor. It is also common for them to encounter obstacles in their work area that they don’t notice until it is too late.
Being Struck by an Object or Equipment
Workers often get hit by machinery and other types of equipment. These types of accidents are often fatal. The good news is that it is easy to prevent them.
Employers should make sure to have safety protocols in place. It is also a good idea to implement employee safety training programs.
If you get hit by an object or machinery at the workplace, it is a good idea to hire a worker’s compensation lawyer. If you want to find out more, you should read about this.
Violence
It is more common than you might think for people to get injured because of violence in the workplace.
This often happens when employees come into conflict with one another. To prevent these sorts of accidents, employers should make sure to have guidelines in place for de-escalating arguments and disagreements.
Vehicle Accidents
Some common causes of roadway accidents in the workplace include distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and fatigue.
In order to prevent roadway accidents in the workplace, employers should have a comprehensive safety program in place that includes regular training for employees on safe driving practices.
This training should cover topics such as defensive driving, the dangers of distracted driving, and the importance of following traffic laws. It is also essential for employers to make sure that their vehicles are well-maintained.
Preventing Workplace Accidents
Workplace accidents are more common than most people think. The good news is that there are many preventative measures that business owners and employees can take.
The most important thing is to create a more safe work environment. Employees should also not hesitate to speak up to their bosses if they see signs of a dangerous workplace.
Do you want to find out more about staying safe at work? If so, make sure to check out the Business section of our blog.