Injuries in the workplace can range from minor to serious, and in some cases, even life-threatening. Common sources of these injuries include wet floors, machinery, and overexertion. Unfortunately, many of these incidents are preventable if employers take the necessary steps to reduce their risk. 

Here are some proactive steps to protect your employees from potential hazards on the job site to ensure a safe working environment for everyone.

Wet Floors

Wet floors can be an incredibly common source of workplace injuries, as they present a slipping hazard to employees. Not only can slipping on a wet floor cause serious physical harm, but it can also lead to liability issues for employers if the injury was caused by their negligence. To reduce the risk of slips and falls due to wet floors, employers should place prominently visible signs warning of wet areas and ensure that employees know how to properly clean up spills. Additionally, employers can invest in slip-resistant flooring materials to make these surfaces safer for everyone.

Machinery

Machinery is an important part of many workplaces, helping to facilitate production, reduce labor costs and increase efficiency. However, machinery can also be a source of injury in the workplace if proper safety protocols are not followed. Improperly maintained machinery or machinery that has been used incorrectly can both lead to injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries and fatalities. 

Compliance with lockout/tagout standards can prevent thousands of injuries every year. Employers should take the necessary steps to ensure machinery is properly maintained, inspected and operated in a safe manner. This may include providing employees with adequate training on how to use machinery, as well as implementing regular maintenance protocols. Employees should also be aware of their own safety when operating machinery, such as wearing protective equipment, using the appropriate tools, and keeping their hands away from moving parts.

Overexertion

Overexertion in the workplace can be a serious hazard and lead to significant injuries, both acute and chronic. Overexertion, which is the physical exertion of muscles beyond their intended capacity, can have long-term repercussions for both the employee’s physical and mental health. Common injuries resulting from overexertion include muscle strain, joint pain, ligament damage, and tendonitis. In extreme cases, overexertion can lead to fractures or herniated discs. Employers should take certain precautions to ensure that employees are not overexerting themselves on the job. Proper ergonomic practices such as providing suitable chairs and workstations can help prevent long-term injuries associated with extended periods of sitting or standing in awkward positions. Taking frequent breaks is also important to give the body a break from physical activity and allow it to rest.

Injuries in the workplace can come from many sources. By investing appropriate resources into safety training, hazards can be minimized and employee safety ensured. Employers must prioritize workplace safety to not only curtail workers compensation claims but also abate their risk of liability for work-related accidents.

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