When you work under potentially dangerous circumstances, there’s always a risk for human error. Regardless of how careful you are about safety guidelines in the workplace, accidents can still happen.
When you do get hurt on the job, it can affect you for months or even years. You may even have to stop working altogether. In some cases, employees are forced to find a new line of work.
In many cases, however, employee injury can be avoided by taking simple precautions. Here are some of the most avoidable circumstances which lead to employees getting hurt, and what you can do to prevent them.
Fatigue
When employees are given too much work on a rigorous schedule, they may be pushed to exhaustion. As a result, they have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and inability to follow instructions correctly.
It’s important that your boss is following regulations by not giving you too much work. In addition, you should ensure that you are completely rested before operating dangerous machinery or handling hazardous material. When in doubt, err on the side of caution!
Stress
When employees have a lot of emotions weighing their mind, it will distract them. The human mind is a powerful thing. If an employee is fixated on things which are going on in their personal life, they are more likely to make dangerous mistakes.
If stress is frequently something that you experience, you should consider looking into solutions. You may want to look into therapy or other forms of treatment which may be effective, such as yoga or meditation.
Repetitive Motions
In jobs where an employee is required to engage in the same motion throughout the day, it’s not uncommon to develop carpal tunnel syndrome.
People who work behind a desk typing are especially at risk. It’s important to use ergonomic equipment as well as take breaks throughout your workday.
Falling
Slips and falls in the workplace aren’t limited to physical jobs. Something as innocent as slipping in spilled liquid in an office kitchen can lead to serious injury and even death!
It’s vital that employees are aware of their surroundings at all times, and that messes which could lead to a fall are cleaned up promptly. Additionally, there should never be any sort of object obstructing a walkway no matter how big or small.
Falling Objects
When things are stored away in high places, they risk falling on someone’s head. It’s essential that if you work in a warehouse, you wear proper head and foot protection.
By following the proper safety precautions and staying aware of your surroundings, you can significantly reduce the risk of getting injured or injuring someone else.