Every employer feels the responsibility to keep their workers safe from harm. Not to mention that a workplace injury can hurt both the employee and your business. If employees lose work time, you could experience production delays, scheduling problems, and worse. To protect employees and yourself, you should identify any potential issues that could lead to injuries and take steps to eliminate them.
Falling Objects
Falling objects are a major cause of injuries in the workplace. Tools dropped by a worker on scaffolding or ladder can land on someone below, causing injury or even death. Using tool tethering is one measure you can take to prevent this. Workers should also wear hard hats.
Construction is not the only business that has to worry about falling objects. It can happen in an office, warehouse, retail establishment, restaurant, or anywhere there are shelves or high surfaces. Injuries can also occur when unsecured furnishings tip over.
Water Spills
Whenever there are spills on the floor, a slip and fall accident can occur, leading to possible serious injury. Certain businesses that use water frequently, such as restaurants, hair salons, and dog groomers, are more prone to spills. However, water spills and splashes can happen in any workplace, such as in an entryway during bad weather. If a customer experiences a slip and fall, it could lead to a lawsuit. To prevent this, spills should be wiped up promptly, and signs should be placed wherever there’s a possibility of wetness. Wet floor signs can help indicate the danger to customers and employees alike.
Obstacles
Many workplace injuries are caused by people tripping over or running into obstacles in doorways, aisles, stairways, and other places. Loose rugs, exposed cords, and uneven floors are some of the obstacles that can cause potential harm from falling. Boxes or equipment left in the wrong place can also cause falls and bumps. Employees should be trained to keep passageways, doorways, and staircases clear and open. Equipment should be stored when not in use. Use adequate lighting in walkways and install handrails on stairways, ramps, and other areas. Use signs to alert workers of low overhead clearance.
Workplace safety should be a team effort, as employers and employees should work together to eliminate or mitigate potential risks. A combination of using protective equipment, proper safety training, and alertness to dangers can protect workers and customers from injuries.
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