Best Practices Proven to Reduce Workplace Injuries

Accidents in the workplace occur from carelessness or ignorance. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 14 workers die each day as a result of work-related accidents and tens of thousands experience injuries. Each year, two million people experience injuries severe enough to necessitate ongoing medical treatment. Most of these statistics are preventable with proper training and attention to detail.

An employer has the responsibility to help protect and maintain a safe work environment; however, each worker also has the individual responsibility of actively seeking to keep it safe, for themselves and their co-workers. When implemented correctly, these work practices have successfully reduced the number of injuries in companies around the country.

Everyone is in a hurry to get the job done, and with good reason. Quick, reliable work receives more praise than work that takes longer than expected. However, quick does not always coincide with quality and frequently results in injuries. Injured workers are often unable to work which ultimately slows the pace of any project. Therefore, it is best to work at a steady and efficient pace to provide customer quality and get everyone home safely.

Sometimes, workers are hesitant to ask questions of their coworkers and their employers. Employers also assume new employees know more than they do. It is imperative that all employees understand each procedure and safety protocol entirely before beginning work.

OSHA statistics claim that transit accidents account for $60 billion each year. Employers should ensure that all operators have current drivers licenses. Additionally, daily routine maintenance and repairs will reduce avoidable accidents. Before driving a company vehicle, drivers should check for the following:

• Functional brake lights;
• Operational turn signals;
• Tire tread and pressure;
• Fuel levels; and
• All fluid statuses.

Heat and cold comprise many injuries throughout the country, including California. When the temperatures rise to excessive levels, employers should have on-site cooling, hydration, and offer frequent breaks. Employees can mitigate the impact of the heat by wearing loose-fitting clothing and sun protection.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is available for employee protection. Employers should ensure that their employees have the correct gear to keep themselves safe for the job. If they do not provide the equipment directly, employers should ensure workers know where to purchase their clothing. Employees should be sure they wear:

• Goggles and other face protection to protect against flying materials or chemicals;
• Gloves to prevent cuts or burns;
• Hard hats to absorb the impact of falling objects;
• Safety footwear to reduce slipping or protect against dropped equipment; and
• Noise-canceling earmuffs to preserve hearing.

Sustaining an injury while in the workplace does more than damage your body physically; injury also makes it difficult to pay bills due to loss of income and an increase in medical fees. If the injury occurred because of someone else’s carelessness, he or she should be held responsible. You should not have to incur the cost of the accident when you are the one suffering. Contact a California workplace injury attorney today to find out how we can help. Call Corsiglia McMahon & Allard, L.L.P. today at (408) 289-1417 to schedule your free, personalized consultation.

• Commonly Used Statistics
• 5 Best Practices To Prevent Workplace Accidents