Top 6 Common Workplace Injuries And What To Do About Them

1. Slip and Falls

In every workplace, slippery surfaces are likely to exist at some point. Whatever shop or industry your business is related to, it’s a possibility you could incur a slip and fall injury. Workplaces can present several hazardous conditions leading to it such as icy surfaces, wet floors, unsteady or uneven areas, and poor lighting. 

One of the most significant risks to working at a height is falling; falls from ladders and scaffolding are common, but they can also be quite hazardous. Falling can result in severe injuries such as broken bones, concussions, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord damage, as well as soft tissue injuries like a sprained ankle or strain. 

Slips and falls are preventable in many cases. Rather than letting spills, debris, rain, or slush accumulate, employers should train and equip their staff to clean up immediately. See to it that there’s cleaning equipment at hand like mop and wiper. 

The facility manager should mark sloping decks, slippery floors, and other hazards. The use of bright-colored signages would help prevent these accidents. Additionally, non-slip mats should be placed at doorways and other places where surfaces are likely to become slippery.

2. Automobile-related Accidents

A potential accident is always present when there are vehicles. You can get injured falling from a moving car, getting hit by objects from the vehicle, and being hit by one. Other incidents can happen in the workplace concerning automobiles. But an essential part of preventing these is to determine who’s at risk, where possible incidents can happen, and when they’re usually occurring. As you identify these, it’ll be easier to implement preventive measures. 

Design the layout of all routes in the workplace, so vehicles and pedestrians are always separated. Also, make sure obstructions are visible. In addition to directions, signs indicating speed limits or priority signages are also helpful.

3. Overexertion Injuries

Overexertion and bodily reaction account for 282,860 injuries in private companies, making it one of the most frequent types of work-related injuries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Considering that overexertion can be caused by repetitive motions, single events, or holding a position for an extended period, it’s clear why this is prevalent. 

The following are possible aspects of work where overexertion can occur: 

• A construction site involving the use of heavy tools 
• Transporting goods by truck 
• Using a keyboard for typing for a long time 
• Stock or supply lifting 
• Assembling items on a production line 
• Patients being moved 
• Working at a desk for hours 

Accordingly, overexertion and bodily reaction injuries are a reality for almost every worker in every industry. As a preventive measure, you can: 

• Teach employees how to use their knees when lifting instead of their backs 
• Utilize safety harnesses, back braces, and lifting devices 
• Break the monotonous routine of sustained employment with frequent breaks 
• Incorporate ergonomic furniture into your office to result in better body posture and to reduce stiffness 
• Change employees’ tasks whenever possible

4. Being Hit By Falling Items

There are plenty of instances where workers suffer injuries from falling objects, which isn’t limited to warehouses. If someone doesn’t anticipate an object falling from a shelf or out of a cupboard, they can sustain some nasty injuries. 

As long as you provide suitable storage mediums and remind your employees how to store items safely, then you can lower this risk greatly. Ergonomic equipment such as hard hats could help reduce the harm.

5. Violence

Disputes between coworkers can result in violence. Domestic violence is also an issue workers may bring into the workplace. Those employed in public-facing positions, including delivery personnel, are subject to attacks from customers and other individuals, or even animals and pets, in some cases. 

Sometimes, violence could lead to trauma, so it’s essential to be transparent and communicative to your employees about it. Employers need to train their workforce about violence and create communication channels to report suspicious activity. This can at least prevent mental health illness after a workplace injury.

6. Cuts And Lacerations

Offices of all kinds can cause accidental cuts and wounds to employees because there are a variety of tools at work that can cause this mischief. Lacerations are caused primarily by a lack of training and inadequate safety procedures or lack of proper protection. Sometimes, it can also be caused by workers’ carelessness. Safety equipment and adequate systems, including employee training, can be provided by supervisors to prevent such accidents.

Conclusion

It’s essential to take a holistic approach in achieving workplace safety if you want to protect your workers and reduce injuries. Ensuring your facility complies with federal and environmental regulations means your employees would have the proper protective gear.

For any accidents, it’s crucial to respond immediately. Seeking first-aid treatment as well as having a clinic in the workplace are some of the things that can be done. Also, make sure the injured employee is attended by a medical professional for checkup and prescription of medicine.

It’s also important to have proper training, signages communicating safety requirements, and access to necessary equipment. Risk assessments should be performed regularly as well. Absent-mindedness can’t always be legislated for, but you can avoid a lot of unwarranted mistakes. Follow the tips mentioned above, so you can have a safer working environment for your employees.