10 Ways To Prevent Workplace Injury

Introduction

Every year, workplace injuries cost employers an estimated $42 billion. Injuries are the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S., and they account for more than half of all lost workdays per year. Are you worried about your safety at work? Take these ten steps to prevent injury before it’s too late.

1. Discourage Risky Behavior

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than half of all accidents at work involve individuals who engage in risky behavior, such as playing basketball during their lunch break or driving under the influence of alcohol. Decrease that number by encouraging employees to avoid dangerous activities altogether and know what healthy habits to keep.

2. Implement Control Measures

Implementing control measures such as checklists is a way to prevent workplace injuries, in addition to accident prevention worksheets. Checklists efficiently reduce workplace safety problems by ensuring everything is completed and overlooked. They also help your employees work safely, efficiently, and with minimum supervision.

3. Review Your Policies and Procedures

They should review your safety policies, procedures, and training periodically. Make sure that you are familiar with all of your company’s policies and procedures to ensure they meet your specific needs and have them reviewed by the management team at least twice a year.

4. Provide Adequate Training

You can reduce workplace injuries dramatically by providing adequate training to employees. Education and training should be provided for employees and supervisors so that every employee has the required level of knowledge about their work tasks.

5. Perform Regular Inspections

You should perform regular inspections to ensure that all employees know and obey the company policies and procedures. It is also essential to inspect all work areas to ensure safe and free of hazards.

6. Incorporate a safety and wellness plan.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends incorporating a safety and wellness plan into their business operations. A safety and wellness program allows workers to become actively involved in identifying health and safety risks and taking steps to reduce those risks.

7. Conduct pre-placement physicals.

In addition to reviewing the candidate’s résumé, a pre-placement physical ensures that potential employees are physically fit for the job. Randomly select applicants for physical examinations before they start work.

8. Educate employees and management staff

Rules, procedures, and policies govern most organizations. Management should provide complete, precise, and up-to-date information to all employees in the organization. They can provide specific guidelines and training to help minimize the risks of workplace injuries and illnesses.

9. Research safety vulnerabilities.

Every organization has potential safety vulnerabilities. Please find out about the unsafe practices in your workplace and implement changes to eliminate them. The Center for Disease Control estimates that 20 to 50 percent of workplace injuries are preventable if employers and managers remove or reduce unsafe conditions.

10. Provide protection equipment.

You can Provide workers with protective equipment, padded coveralls, high-top sneakers, and steel-toe shoes for the task they will perform. Check periodically to ensure that workers have been provided with the appropriate equipment.

Conclusion

Ensuring workers are safe on the job can be difficult. Preventing workplace injuries and illnesses should be a top priority for management. By following the ten guidelines listed above, you can help keep employees safe, healthy, and productive in the workplace. if you’re interested in additional information and assistance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Foylelegal.com.