Whilst a number of workplace injuries are sustained by manual labourers such as agricultural, transport and construction workers, they can also occur in any workplace, health and safety specialist Workplace Law warns.
The company points to data from the UK’s Health and Safety Executive, which reveals that slips, trips and falls from a height are among the most common cause of accidents. Injuries related to lifting and carrying heavy objects are also quite common. Luckily, a great number of these accidents can be prevented with appropriate training and adequate safety equipment.
When people cut corners in their manual work – picking things up incorrectly or trying to handle a load by themselves, instead of leaving the job to a hydraulic lift, for example – they risk injuring themselves. However, creating and fostering a workplace environment where short-cuts are discouraged and proper training is provided can help prevent such injuries. Also, strict health and safety guidelines regarding uneven surfaces, loose wiring and litter, together with proper signs warning employees of potential dangers, can effectively prevent slips and trips. When it comes to falls, regular safety training and a ‘safety first’ culture are recommended for workers who spend a significant amount of time in high places.
All in all, employers should make ensuring greater protection for their employees a priority, as injured employees are bad for the overall reputation of a business, not to mention the fact that pay-outs can be costly. Injured individuals can lower the morale of other employees and they also have a negative impact on the economy, Workplace Law notes.
Source: https://www.workplacelaw.net
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