In the United States, workplace accidents are a frequent occurrence. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 5,190 fatal work injuries in 2021 – an increase from the year before. Sadly, many workplace deaths are preventable too. With this in mind, we want to explore the most common reasons for workplace accidents. If this guide saves one person from a fatality or injury, it has done its job.
- Lack of Training – A lack of training is one of the most common causes of workplace accidents. This can be due to employers not providing proper training or employees not taking necessary safety courses or refresher courses. All workers must receive the right type and level of instruction to do their jobs safely and efficiently.
- Unsafe Equipment – Faulty or outdated equipment can be a major source of accidents in the workplace. Employers need to inspect and maintain all tools and machinery regularly, as well as provide adequate PPE for employees. Whether your employees use motor vehicles, forklifts, or any other type of equipment, make sure the equipment is fit for purpose. For fall protection systems and other safety gear, look at brilliant companies like https://shineonanchors.com.
- Poor Housekeeping – Although it sounds simple, messy workspaces are one of the key contributors to workplace accidents. If work areas aren’t kept clean, organized, and free from tripping hazards, there’s a much higher risk of injury. Make sure you have clear guidelines for workplace housekeeping and regularly inspect the premises to ensure all areas are kept tidy.
- Lack of Reporting – Sometimes, workplace accidents can happen without any clear cause. If this happens, it’s important to report the accident and investigate as soon as possible. That way, the reason can be discovered and steps can be taken to prevent a similar incident from occurring in the future. When small incidents aren’t reported, they can often snowball into larger ones and put the safety of your team members at risk. Make sure to encourage open communication regarding safety hazards in your workplace and ensure all workers know how to report potential accidents.
- Unsafe Working Conditions – It is the employer’s responsibility to maintain a safe working environment for their employees. This means having the proper safety measures in place, such as warning signs, lockout/tag systems, and personal protective equipment. Poorly maintained or outdated safety measures can lead to workplace accidents, so make sure all safety regulations are up to date and enforced.
- Inadequate Regulations – Though this is rare these days, inadequate regulations can lead to workplace accidents. The employer should ensure workers are aware of the safety regulations and that they understand them. Companies should also periodically review their regulations to make sure they are up-to-date with current safety standards.
Prevent Accidents in Your Business
It’s important for employers to take steps to prevent workplace accidents. This can include implementing safety measures such as warning signs, lockout/tagout procedures, and proper training. Employers should also ensure their workers are properly equipped with safety equipment such as masks, gloves, and protective clothing. Additionally, employers should make sure their employees are up-to-date with any new regulations that may have been implemented since they were hired.
Finally, employers should encourage their employees to take safety seriously and report any accidents or near-misses as soon as possible. Taking these steps can go a long way in helping to reduce the number of workplace accidents and injuries. Not only do these steps prevent your team from harm, but they also reduce lost work hours due to injury or illness!