Did you know that you are entitled to a safe workplace? A company’s failure to take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of its employees can mean big trouble. Hazards and accidents are unfavorable for the company because they expose them to financial risks, loss of employee time, productivity, and output. Furthermore here is some more information on common workplace injuries to keep yourself informed.
3 Common Workplace Injuries
Falls – These are common in construction where workers accidentally fall from scaffolding and ladders. Employers are responsible for employee safety when they work from high places. Harnesses must be provided to prevent falls along with proper training. Properly trained workers should know how to assemble scaffolding and use ladders and harnesses. Additionally having a supervisor on-site to make sure the workers adhere to the safety rules adds another layer of safety.
Slips and spills – A wet floor is hazardous because it can cause slips. Many severe injuries occur when a person attempts to break their fall. Hence, making sure there is signage to show wet floors is crucial. Maintenance and janitorial staff should be trained on safety procedures so that they do not put other employees at risk. A person can spill hot coffee or other liquids causing 2nd or 3rd-degree burns. Spills including toxic chemicals is another common form of spill-related workplace injury. Anytime a worker is dealing with toxic substances, they should wear protective clothing. You should also train them on how to handle hazardous components.
Falling objects – An employee can get hit by an object falling from a shelf or any other office equipment when working in an office space. If the object is heavy, it can cause a severe head injury. Safe storage for employees should be provided and the means to access high objects safely. Notices warning them of impending risks should also be posted. Construction workers should wear protective headgear when on-site to protect themselves from falling debris.
Employer responsibility
The business owner is supposed to keep the work environment safe at all times to minimize injuries. By providing the workers with safety gear and ergonomic equipment to prevent back and neck injury. Paying for their safety training and ensuring there is someone to monitor worker adherence to safety guidelines. Warning signs should be placed of the hazards that may be present in the workplace. In the event of an injury, inform the insurance company immediately and corporate with them.
Employee responsibility
As an employee, you should pay attention to safety measures at all times. Never handle sensitive machinery without proper instruction and safety gear. If you’ve breached the safety policy and got injured, your employer is not liable. As an employee, it is your responsibility to report the injury immediately to the employer to get medical attention. If you’ve suffered from one of these common workplace injuries and are seeking legal help, be sure to fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
