When you walk into your workspace, you probably aren’t considering the many different ways in which you could be injured. But the reality is that accidents in the workplace do happen, and they happen more regularly than you may think. Although you can protect yourself financially with proper insurance and by seeking the help of specialised lawyers like Patinos, there is no better way of protecting yourself than taking note of potential issues and working out how to minimise them. Prevention is always better than a cure.
Here is an overview of some common workplace accidents and steps you can take to avoid them.
Taking a Dive at Work
Unless you want to hear endless jokes about “having a nice trip,” you will want to do everything you can to avoid this common work injury. Falls are one of the most common accidents in the workplace. Trip hazards are everywhere, from carpet or rug edges to chair legs and electrical cables. So fix the danger; tape down carpet edges, run cables along the wall, and establish dedicated passageways that are kept clear at all times. Make sure any stairs have a railing for support as well. If you have any non-carpet areas of flooring, beware of potential slippery spots and have signage to warn people of a wet floor.
Don’t Bend and Snap
You might consider yourself strong and physically fit, but don’t let your pride be the cause of a common workplace injury. Improper lifting, even of small or light loads, can damage anyone’s body. Ensure that no one is lifting things they don’t need to lift. If possible, have designated “lifters” in your workplace and ensure that everyone is instructed on the safest way to lift and move objects. If an item is being delivered, have the delivery placed on a desk rather than the floor to remove some of the risk.
Beware the Inanimate Objects
Inanimate doesn’t mean innocuous. They may not have the ability to move themselves around, but the inanimate objects in your workplace can be very dangerous to those moving through the space. In addition to the falling hazards that already exist, things like desks and machinery can create hazards that people can bump into, potentially causing themselves harm. This is particularly relevant if you have sharp or electric machinery nearby, as it has the potential to maim or otherwise severely injure someone.
Kit Yourself out Properly
Don’t inherit an ancient chair from another department, even if it does look vintage chic. Having the correct equipment – furniture and tools that adequately fit your body and height – can make all the difference between an accident and a happy worker. If you work at a desk, make sure your elbows and knees are at the correct angle, your computer screen is at eye height, and your computer faces the correct angle so as to avoid glare on the monitor.
What past accidents could you have avoided simply by rearranging your workspace? Share your wisdom with everyone below and help make the workplace safer for someone else.
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