The workplace should be safe for everyone, but some injuries are simply inevitable or are a direct result of negligence from an employer.
Despite following strict health and safety guidelines, the number of workplace incidents is on the rise, with thousands of personal injury cases being filed each year.
If you’re a business owner then it’s in your best interest to put procedures and training in place to ensure that your employees are safe.
And if you’re an employee, it’s a good idea to follow any legislation and make yourself aware of the potential injuries and illnesses that could plague your workplace. Read on to find out more.
Exposure to asbestos
Chemicals like asbestos are responsible for thousands of illnesses and deaths each year. Sadly, the effects of asbestos exposure don’t always manifest until several years down the line and can even be overlooked if other medical factors come into play.
Can bladder cancer be caused by asbestos? Click the link to find out more. Sadly, many employees don’t realise that they’ve ever been exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Slips, trips and falls
Falling over at work is humiliating, to say the least, however, when you’re injured and have to have time off work it’s a worrying time. Slips, trips and falls can happen in all kinds of workplaces from factories to offices.
Tripping over electrical cables or other items, tripping on torn carpet or falling down the stairs. The workplace can be incredibly hazardous!
Repetitive strain injury
Repetitive strain injury or RSI is incredibly common amongst typists, factory workers and those who perform the same action over and over again.
RSI can be incredibly debilitating, which is why employees should be encouraged to take regular breaks and perform tasks with the relevant supportive/ergonomic equipment.
Cuts
Whether employees are cutting sheets of metal with industrial equipment or cutting paper in their cubicle, cuts and lacerations are incredibly common. If severe enough they can render an employee unfit for work.
Adequate training should be provided and regularly updated, as well as appropriate protection.
Being stuck by falling objects
Falling boxes filled with paper, or items falling from warehouse shelves. Being struck by a falling object can result in severe head injuries and even death. Again, appropriate training and the provision of adequate storage facilities will keep accidents low!
