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How to Prevent Common Workplace Accidents

How to Prevent Common Workplace Accidents
Posted: 17th December 2020

Employers have a duty to protect their workers from harm. Despite this, every year a large number of accidents happen in the workplace, ranging from minor to fatal. Below we take a look at some of the most common workplace accidents and provide tips on how to prevent them.

Slips, Trips & Falls

Slips, trips and falls account for a large number of workplace injuries. There are a great many tripping hazards within any given workplace. From a wet floor, to cables on the floor to holes in the ground. 

The easiest way to prevent this type of accident occurring is to keep walkways and paths clean and clear of obstacles. A good pair of non-slip safety boots will also help.

Falling from Height

Ladders and scaffolding pose some of the greatest risk to workers. However falling from height also includes falling down a flight of stairs. Specialist training must be provided for people working at height and safety restraints must be provided where necessary.

Exposure to Loud Noise

Many workers, particularly in the industrial sector, continue to be exposed to loud noises whilst at work. Providing the correct safety equipment for the job such as hearing protection will help prevent legal action caused by industrial deafness.

Manual Handling

Manual handling is one of the biggest causes of workplace injuries. Many workers assume that they know how to lift and carry something correctly, however without adequate training, this often results in muscle strains and back injuries.

Industrial Machinery Accidents

Industrial machinery presents a type of hazard that can result in some very serious injuries. Entanglement usually occurs when loose clothing or hair gets stuck in the machine. Most workplaces have precautions in place to ensure that this type of accident will not happen. Always wear safety gloves when operating this type of machinery.

Risk Assessments & Training

As an employer, the most effective thing you can do to prevent workplace accidents is to conduct a thorough risk assessment of the premises before work is carried out to ensure that any hazards are identified before an accident occurs. The measures that are necessary to protect workers are specific to each workplace and the government has provided sector-specific guidance, with the obligation on every employer to assess and minimise the risk for their particular workplace environment. It’s also required that you ensure that your employees are competent to carry out any tasks that they have been assigned before doing so. This means providing training where necessary.

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