The chances of meeting work-related injuries have decreased over the years because of the workplace health and safety measures enforced. However, despite various laws and precautions practised, there are still some things to improve. As an employee, you may be exposed to some hazards that can lead to accidents and injuries. These are the most common workplace injuries:
1. Slips, trips, and falls
Slips, trips, and falls are the most common types of workplace injuries that lead to worker’s compensation claims. This type of injury can be prevented by informing employees of their surroundings and the fall protection requirements mandated by the governing body. Companies often work with a safety consultant in their cities and provinces like Vaughan to guide them in establishing these requirements.
2. Overexertion and muscle strains
Muscle strains and repetitive strain injuries can lead to long-term debilitating pain that will affect or lead to loss in productivity. This can be due to these activities:
- Improper lifting technique
- Repetitive work with little breaks
- Manually lifting heavy objects
- Lifting, pushing, throwing, or carrying
- Microtasks
- Typing or moving a mouse
- Jumping to different levels
- A collapsing structure
3. Falling objects
High-risk industries need to be more serious with hazards present in the workplace because they can cause injuries in the hand or feet, severing of limbs or fingers, trauma in the head, fractures or breaks, blindness, and many others. Poorly-maintained machines, falling of tools, debris, or materials, excessive vibration can lead to falling accidents.
4. Crashes or collisions
Drivers of motor vehicles are at high risk for crash or collision. Others can also be hit by vehicles.
5. Exposure to harmful substances
Those working in loud environments or with hazardous chemicals are at great risk of injuries to their eyes, skin, respiratory system, and other body parts.
6. Fire and explosions
Fires and explosions can cause body burns, damage to the body, and death. Workplaces with such environments and risks need to undergo several inspections before they are granted the license to operate.
7. Violence and other injuries
Security officers, zoo keepers, and others who need to deal with tension and aggressive confrontation are not just exposed to the physical risks of their job but to the mental and emotional stress as well.
8. Ways to Address Workplace Injuries
Keeping an injury-free workplace is the goal of every company. The road may be steep but here are some steps to ensure that you can prepare for such scenarios:
9. Plan for medical care
Establishing the protocols for handling injuries and illnesses due to their work is the primary step to take. The company should take responsibility for medical care for such incidents. Including health packages from Oriole Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Center Inc, hospitals, clinics, and medical professionals can give employees a feeling of assurance that they will be cared for if any untoward incident happens.
10. Layout an investigation process
Workers can seek the help of personal injury lawyers from Michelle Linka Law and other offices for claims. However, it is necessary that an investigation is properly conducted to protect the interest of both parties. The process should involve creating an incident report, interviewing witnesses, getting the doctor’s prognosis, and estimated income loss. This will also make it easier to decide if an injury should be compensated for or not.
11. Notifying the OH&S
Notifying the Occupational and Health and Safety Office is an important step to take for both the company and the injured party. The governing body will conduct inspections and impose fines if needed if it is proven that the company has a fault in the incident.
12. Designated leaves
There should be allowable days for absences in the event of accidents or sickness. Companies can allocate the number of days for these leaves depending on the injury or illness to help lessen the economic impact as advised by a medical professional.
13. Remember the Accessible Canada Act
Make workplaces still accessible to employees who may have suffered from injuries. Under the ACA, workers should be afforded with accommodation that will help them function in their jobs without difficulties or discrimination. Adding facilities that can make moving around easier, flexible time, and special work arrangements are just a few of the things the company can offer.
14. Evaluate the existing policies
Most injured employees would cooperate in investigations and work on healing so they can get back to work after an accident. There is only a small portion who would choose to resign and seek financial gain from their injuries. However, any accident is a good eye-opener for companies to scrutinize their policies to make sure there is no room for abuse and if these comply with all applicable laws
15. Stay informed
The laws would change and companies need to be updated of these so they can include these in their policies. As much as possible, policies should be updated to accommodate new laws and regulations.
16. Value your workers
Your people are your most important assets so make sure that they are well cared for. In case of accidents, take the time to listen to their side and try to meet halfway. When your people feel safe, you have a productive workplace.
When companies are complying with laws and regulations that seek to protect businesses and individuals, accidents and personal injuries lessen. Every company needs to revisit their policies and make amendments where they are needed.
