In an ideal world, the workplace would be a safe environment without any remote risk of harm or injury. But unfortunately, accidents happen. Here are some of the most common injuries that might happen in your workplace and with recommendations on how to best prevent them.
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Falls
Falls, often following a trip or a slip, are the leading cause of non-fatal workplace injuries in the UK. They can happen in any type of environment – it doesn’t matter if you work in an office or a waterpark; falls do not discriminate.
The most common causes are slippery surfaces with improper wet floor signage, poor lighting, or cluttered, untidy walkways. Frequent injuries include sprains, fractures, head injuries, and back injuries.
In order to prevent these injuries, employers must always display proper signage, clean up spills and clutter promptly, and ensure that staff are wearing appropriate footwear.
But suppose you find yourself lying on the floor after a fall that could have been avoided. In that case, we’d advise seeking appropriate legal representation, who will help guide you through the correct course of action. You’ll be able to find support up and down the country, whether you’re looking for a prosecution barrister in Bristol or personal injury solicitors in Liverpool.
Manual Lifting and Handling
When lifting heavy loads with improper techniques and/or without the necessary support, you’re putting yourself at risk of a variety of injuries, from minor strains to long-term musculoskeletal issues.
Carrying intensive loads and bending your back awkwardly can put unnecessary stress on your knees, spine and other areas of your back. To prevent these injuries, employers should provide health and safety training that informs workers about safe lifting techniques:
- Planning the lift
- Getting a firm footing
- Bending the knees before lifting the load
- Holding the load close to the body during the movement
In addition, employers can also minimise risk by investing in machinery and mechanical aids, which can help create a safer, more efficient workplace.
Struck By a Moving Object
Coming into contact with objects – particularly falling ones – is especially common in laborious fields of work, like construction, manufacturing and warehousing, but that doesn’t mean office workers are immune. Falling filing cabinets and cuts from scissors, cardboard and paper are common offenders in white-collar settings.
Accidents like tools falling from heights, heavy machinery malfunctions, and collisions with moving equipment plague work sites all over the world. These workplaces would be safe if workers adopted PPE (personal protective equipment) and were offered regular safety training. If they weren’t, and you or a colleague has experienced a life-changing injury as a result, it’s paramount that you seek legal representation that specialises in personal injury claims, like Bond Turner.
Closing Thoughts
Not all injuries are avoidable. Sometimes, an employer is doing everything right: delivering the correct training, displaying the proper signage, and even providing the best PPE available, yet still, accidents occur. But if the correct protocol is being followed, these avoidable injuries will be fewer and further between. Ongoing training, PPE, and clear communication between team members will ultimately prevent injuries and foster a working environment where people feel safe.
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