Workplace injuries are all too common and can occur in warehouses, on construction sites, in offices, or in cars while on company business.
Some injuries might be relatively insignificant and bruise little more than the employee’s pride, while others can lead to substantial harm requiring time off work, surgery, ongoing medical care, and the need to file a personal injury claim for compensation.
Since an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, it’s important to consider these five common causes of injuries in the workplace and how to avoid them.
1. Human Error
Human error is a major cause of work-related injuries. Injuries often occur not because workers are not adequately trained to do the job, but because they’re distracted, fatigued, or unfocused.
A lapse in judgment for even a few seconds — not double-checking safety equipment, or hurrying through a procedure — can lead to serious injuries.
Distractions occur most often in repetitive or stressful working environments. Employees who are doing the same things every day may become less engaged.
Taking regular breaks, ongoing training on safety procedures, and promoting a safety-focused corporate culture are ways human errors can reduce injuries at work.
2. Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls are also among the most frequent types of work accidents in all sectors. They can take place anywhere — in offices where corridors are cluttered or outdoors where the ground surfaces are wet with rain or snow.
You can reduce injury risks in the workplace by doing the following:
- Clear aisles of clutter, tools, and trash.
- Place slip-resistant mats in areas where water may pool.
- Repair damaged floors immediately.
- Ensure there’s adequate lighting on the job.
- Encourage good footwear among workers, particularly in industrial or outdoor settings.
Regular inspections and rapid responses to hazards also play an important role in averting slips, trips, and falls.
3. Misuse of Equipment
Misuse of equipment is another cause of employee injuries. Problems can arise when employees operate equipment without training or authorization, cut corners in the interest of saving time, or skip checks and safety guards.
Mishandling machinery not only can put employees’ safety at risk, but can also translate into expensive and time-consuming downtime if the equipment breaks down.
Employees can minimize the risk of harm if employers implement on-the-job training prior to permitting workers to use equipment.
4. Cluttered Workstations
A messy workstation is not only careless — it can be dangerous. The clutter can also hide other dangers, i.e., spills or broken flooring.
The good news is that clutter control need not be complicated. Businesses can do the following:
- Create a regular office cleaning schedule.
- Provide sufficient storage space for equipment, tools, and supplies.
- Have a “clean-as-you-go” policy where employees clean as they complete projects.
- Conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance with safety procedures.
A clean workplace environment isn’t just a pleasure to work in — it’s a critical component of workplace safety.
5. Poor Training
Many workplace injuries are caused by a lack of training. Without being shown how to do the task correctly, employees can find themselves in dangerous situations.
Not transmitting details on equipment condition or what needs to be done in order to maintain equipment can result in issues.
Businesses should provide full onboarding courses that include workplace security training. To remain up-to-date, providing occasional refresher training is also a good idea.
Understanding these five common causes of workplace accidents is one way to minimize the odds of accidents that harm workers and businesses. It’s unrealistic to believe that any workplace will be free of accidents. But it’s entirely realistic to adopt the right strategies to substantially reduce risks.
Himani Verma is a seasoned content writer and SEO expert, with experience in digital media. She has held various senior writing positions at enterprises like CloudTDMS (Synthetic Data Factory), Barrownz Group, and ATZA. Himani has also been Editorial Writer at Hindustan Time, a leading Indian English language news platform. She excels in content creation, proofreading, and editing, ensuring that every piece is polished and impactful. Her expertise in crafting SEO-friendly content for multiple verticals of businesses, including technology, healthcare, finance, sports, innovation, and more.
