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Workplaces are supposed to be safe due to the numerous laws and regulations in place to ensure they are. Despite these measures, workplace injuries still occur. There are various reasons for this, one of the most common being different workplace hazards. Knowing what they are is one step in preventing workplace injuries. The other is knowing what preventive measures to have in place to eliminate the accidents and injuries they cause.
Falls
Thousands of people get seriously injured or die annually due to falls, with falls from height leading the statistics. In addition to the human cost, these accidents also cost businesses a lot of money. For example, employers can seek compensation of between a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Since many of these falls result from slips, businesses should start by eliminating all hazards that can cause them. Second, they should provide the necessary protective equipment, including harnesses, head protection and others as required by law.
Lastly, they should provide adequate training on using personal protective equipment correctly and staying safe at workplaces.
Respiratory Hazards
Many workers are exposed to dust, vapours, gases or biological matter that could be hazardous if inhaled. These respiratory hazards can cause short-term symptoms like irritation and coughing where removing the worker from such an environment and providing the required first aid and care they need can resolve the issue.
However, these hazards can also cause long-term illnesses and conditions long after exposure. It is therefore vital to reduce exposure as much as possible.
In addition to changing workplace conditions, employers should ensure all employees have the correct respiratory protection equipment (RPE). The employees who use the RPE should test it to ensure it is the right fit and provides the required level of protection.
Additionally, the employer or business should ensure all RPE is maintained properly so it provides the highest protection standards. They can do this by partnering with businesses providing comprehensive RPE servicing.
Businesses like Respirtec.co.uk provide respiratory protection equipment servicing according to the type of equipment and the required level of safety and compliance to ensure the RPE performs as expected.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Workers who do the same physical tasks for long periods are at a higher risk of repetitive motion injuries. These types of injuries are typically seen in office workers due to using the same motions to type or complete repetitive tasks.
In other workplaces, they can show up as back and joint pain from repeatedly picking up and putting down heavy objects. They can also occur due to repetitive twisting motions typical in assembly and production plants.
Training is one of the best ways of preventing these types of injuries. Employers can mandate training so that employers learn how to do things correctly and keep themselves safe. Regular breaks to prevent back and joint pain can also help with these injuries.
Worker safety is crucial in workplace settings as it helps prevent injuries and fatalities. Employers should have measures in place to protect employees from common injuries, such as those outlined above. Various studies show that proper training and protective equipment is a great starting point, but there is still much more that employers can do to ensure worker safety.
