Improving Workplace Health And Safety: How To Avoid Common Hazards

An employee sustains an injury on the job every seven seconds, which equates to 12,900 injured employees every day and 4.7 million every year, CBS News reports. The most common workplace injuries are typically caused by poor ergonomics, as well as trips, slips, and falls. Fortunately, by taking care to prioritize workplace health and safety, you can better avoid injury and stay safe while on the job. 

Plan for emergency situations 

Employers are legally required to provide all employees with health and safety training, which includes how to respond in emergency situations, such as fires, electrical blackouts, or medical emergencies. It’s therefore essential you attend this training, as well as take note of all emergency exits in your building (and especially those in closest proximity to your desk and floor). You should also stay on the lookout for any signs and notices informing health and safety risks [and consider additional safety measures like infrared thermography inspection services to identify potential electrical hazards immediately.] Being prepared for and knowing how to handle an emergency can ensure you keep calm, act smart, and minimize risk.

Address safety issues

By law, your employer has to ensure your workplace meets acceptable health and safety standards. Nevertheless, you may notice common safety hazards in your building. For example, spillages and leaks, stray cables, faulty desks and chairs, and ripped carpet or loose tiles are some common workplace hazards that can lead to accidents and injury. So, be sure to inform a superior of any hazards as soon as you spot them, so they can be dealt with promptly. If, on the other hand, you do become injured at work, it’s key to assess your legal rights and options. Fortunately, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you seek compensation to cover lost wages and medical bills — all without compromising your financial security. 

Improve ergonomics

Many workplace injuries are caused by bad posture with musculoskeletal disorders, in particular, contributing to 33% of all workplace injuries. By improving ergonomics, you can maintain good posture and reduce your risk of injury. For example, adjust your desk to facilitate healthy posture and prevent hunching. You should also keep it clutter-free with your equipment and tools within easy reach. Take care to sit up straight with your feet flat on the ground, your back flat against your chair, and your knees bent comfortably at 90 degrees. Your chair should also have lumbar support for your spine. 

Your workplace should be safe and comfortable at all times. By planning for emergency situations, addressing safety hazards, and improving ergonomics, you can better avoid common hazards and stay safe and healthy at work.