According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were close to three million accidents on the job reported in 2015. Out of those, 4,836 involved fatalities. Other studies found that roughly ten percent of all employees experience some kind of workplace accident and do not report it, and the average length of time off work due to a work-related accident is 8 days. Even if your job is demanding or dangerous by nature, there are some things you can do to help prevent common workplace injuries. After all, safety should really be part of everyone’s job description.
The Most Common Work-Related Accidents
Slip, trip, and fall injuries make up a large part of all work-related accidents. In 2015 alone the United States Department of Labor reported over 283,000 cases of workplace injuries due to falls (Of those, over 4,000 were fatal). Below are some tips that may help you avoid becoming a fall statistic.
First, clean up spills and work area messes. Wet, greasy, cluttered, or slick floor surfaces are literally an accident waiting to happen. You can minimize this risk by keeping floors as clean and dry as possible, wearing appropriate footwear and other safety gear, and being mindful of cords, holes, scaffolding, uneven steps, weather conditions, and other factors.
Crushing injuries are especially dangerous and can result in loss of life or limb. These kinds of injuries are more prevalent in certain workplace environments, such as construction and manufacturing sites, as well as warehouses or any job that requires moving large, bulky or heavy materials. Even though OSHA mandates rigorous training, it often falls on employees to make themselves as safe as possible by paying attention in dangerous areas. Remember to always wear the right protective gear and be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you are at work and see something is dangerous, make sure to point it out to management right away.
Research has shown that crushing injuries are more common around machines or heavy equipment with moving parts, construction scaffolding or other construction materials that are prone to collapse, or mobile equipment, such as fork lifts or tractors. The best way to avoid these kinds of injuries is to make sure that team members are paying attention and communicating when moving large or bulky objects. That way, employees on the floor can avoid coming into contact with moving equipment when the operator may not have a clear view. Flashing lights, warning sounds, and awareness can help prevent these kinds of accidents.
If you, or someone you care about has experienced a workplace accident, don’t fail to report it and seek medical evaluation and treatment. Whether you need help for neck and back pain, cuts, bruises, broken bones or other injuries, our highly qualified and compassionate staff are here to help. Get the treatment you need so you can get back to your life as soon as possible. Call today at 210-342-2777, or request an appointment online. When it hurts, we are here to help.
