5 Best Practices to Avoid Workplace Injuries

Each year, millions of workers become injured in the workplace. Many workers are injured too severely to continue working and require continuous medical care. Common types of workplace injuries include slip and falls, muscle strains, crashes, collisions, cuts, and inhaling toxic fumes. Depending on the circumstance and work environment, workplace injuries vary from minor to severe. Although accidents occur unexpectedly, these are the 5 best practices to avoid injuries in your workplace.

Don’t Take Shortcuts

As an employee, you may feel compelled to get the job finished on schedule, or before schedule. Although a strong work ethic is beneficial, rushing through the project at hand increases the likelihood of accidents. Avoid taking shortcuts by sticking with the instructions. Ensure any questions you have are explained clearly. Feel comfortable and familiar with the procedure before beginning the project at hand.

Safety in Transit

If you work in an environment that has moving vehicles, trucks or tractors, be aware of your surroundings at all times. Managers should inspect all workplace vehicles at least once a month, ensuring any faulty parts undergo routine maintenance. Before driving a company vehicle, check turn signals, tire pressure, the gas tank, and break lights to ensure safety.

Weather the Weather

Whether you work indoors or outdoors, you may become exposed to different extreme weather conditions. As extreme temperatures can effect your health, dress accordingly. If your work environment is cold, dress in layers to properly cover your hands, feet, and head. It is also recommended to keep a change of clothes in your car in case you get wet. If you work in severely warm environments, wear loose clothing, hydrate throughout shifts, and take breaks in cool rest areas.

As an employer, install on-site heating devices for cold conditions. In warm conditions, ensure proper ventilation and air flow by using fans and opening windows.

Use Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment is essential to prevent injury. Goggles and face protection are useful when working with chemicals and liquids. If you are working in extreme temperatures, with chemicals, or cutting, wear gloves. Hard hats protect you from falling objects. Safety shoes must be worn in areas where there are heavy objects. Slip resistant shoes should be worn in areas where the floor may be wet, such as restaurants and bars.

Good Housekeeping

Recognize the importance of maintaining a clean work space. This includes paper, debris, clutter, spills, and any work materials that can potentially block walkways. Keep your work area orderly, recognize slip-and-trip hazards immediately, and pay attention to aisles. If there are items that appear to be hazardous, report this to your supervisor immediately.

As an employee or a manager, it is important to be aware of all surroundings at work to avoid injury. Although accidents happen unexpectedly, minimize accidents by not taking shortcuts, weathering the weather, using Personal Protective Equipment, and keeping an organized work environment at all times. In the unfortunate circumstance that you experience a workplace injury, contact a personal injury attorney.

If you or someone you know has been injured as the result of an accident, don’t forget to call the Offices of Kanner & Pintaluga, P.A. by dialing 1-800-586-5555. If you live in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Ocala, Orlando, Tallahassee, Gainesville, Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Naples or any other city in Florida, The Law Offices of Kanner & Pintaluga, P.A. can help you get your life back on track if you’ve been injured after a car accident. Make sure to follow The Law Offices of Kanner & Pintaluga P.A. on Twitter (@KPAttorney) and Facebook.