posted on 15 January 2012 | posted in Uncategorised
According to recent studies, sprains and strains account for roughly 41 percent of all work-related injuries. It is a fact that sprains and strains are the most common workplace injury reported. According to the Department of labor, over-exertion and falls cause most workplace accidents. When one considers this, 4 out of 10 of all workplace accidents can be easily prevented with proper training and proper supervision. Furthermore, accident at work compensation happen, and in those instances where they cannot be prevented, a proper plan should be in place to minimize injury to the worker. First, understanding how accidents occur in the first place is critical.
How Accidents Happen Workplace accidents occur for a myriad of reasons. The most obvious cause of workplace accidents is human error. Floors, walkways and ground surfaces are responsible for nineteen percent of common work place accidents. This can be remedied by taking care to make sure that work areas are free from obstructions and slippery substances. Also, if the ground floor tends to get slippery a lot, make sure all spills are cleaned up instantly and that all employees are wearing proper footwear. The second reason for common work place injuries is improper lifting. In workplaces where heavy lifting is required, many employees are unaware of proper lifting techniques. This is easily remedied by providing the training necessary to avoid injuries. Also, all employees should be screened thoroughly by the employer if heavy lifting is a job requirement. Don’t take someone’s word for it. When Accidents Can’t Be Avoided Sometimes accidents happen. People fall, trip and drop things because they are only human. Although nothing can be done about this, that doesn’t mean a plan shouldn’t be in place in case of injury. Always plan ahead by having emergency medical equipment on hand. Second, a quick response is critical, and all injuries need to be examined by a medical professional as soon as possible. Third, the injury must be reported immediately in writing to a supervisor. It is important to document every detail and seek legal advice. The longer you wait, the more time you may spend getting proper medical attention.