Having a safe workplace that is free from hazards is essential for any business. However, for start-ups knowing what to look out for can be challenging. It’s hard to know where to begin when you haven’t had any previous accidents to influence your health and safety plan.
Below, we are going to take a look at just a few of the most common workplace injuries and provide some tips on how to avoid them.
Let’s get started!
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Repetitive strain injuries are caused by repetitive moments that contribute to the overuse of the muscles. Some examples of this include tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, myositis, and degenerative arthritis. Office ergonomics is critical here as a poorly designed workstation is one of the leading causes of these injuries.
How to prevent:
– Promoting good posture by providing ergonomic chairs and desks.
– Allowing regular breaks when employees are completing repetitive tasks.
– Equipping staff with ergonomic keyboards and mouses.
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Toppling Accidents
Toppling accidents occur when something falls and strikes a person. While they may not be much of a risk in office-based environments, they still cause concerns in warehouses and construction sites.
How to prevent:
– Provide staff with proper PPE gear such as hard hats and safety glasses.
– Take care when storing boxes and products. Items should never overhang.
– Always use ladders appropriately when reaching items on high shelves.
Slips and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls are the most common workplace accidents and can cause severe injuries. In fact, an estimated 17,000 people die annually in the US, according to the CDC (centers for disease control and prevention) due to them.
How to prevent:
– Cleaning wet/dirty floors frequently and quickly.
– Laying out rubber mats in spill-prone areas.
– Keeping walkways clear of obstacles.
– Ensuring ladders and scaffolds are in good working order before using them.
Road Accidents
Road accidents are another common workplace accident that should always be addressed. It is due to a lack of experience, improper driving, and poor vehicle maintenance in many cases.
How to prevent:
– Create regular training opportunities to inform and educate staff.
– Keep vehicles in good repair, getting them upgraded and maintained regularly. If you have a group of vehicles, consider hiring a fleet manager.
– Put in place a policy outlining distracted driving and driver responsibilities.
– Allow staff to take frequent breaks to eliminate fatigue.
Mental Stress
Mental health is just as important as physical health and overloading your employees can lead to a variety of illnesses. It’s crucial to develop a good company culture and take stress seriously to protect yourself and your employees.
How to prevent:
– Respect and listen to your staff about their concerns.
– Notice and respond to signs of harassment or bullying.
– Regularly check-up on employees and delegate workloads carefully.