Workplace safety is an important concern for employers and employees, from both a health and economic perspective. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), some 561,000 UK workers suffered injuries in 2022/23 while a further 135 were killed.
In total, an estimated 35.2 million working days were lost due to self-reported ill health or injury. And if workers suffer said injury due to employer negligence, they’re often able to launch a compensation claim.
It’s important, then, to understand the common causes of these accidents as described below and implement effective prevention strategies.
1. Slips, trips and falls
Causes:
The broad category of ‘slips, trips, and falls’ is among the most common workplace incidents. They can have relatively simple, easily preventable triggers such as wet or oily surfaces, uneven or damaged flooring, cluttered walkways and poor lighting.
Prevention:
To stop them occurring, premises should have regular cleaning and maintenance schedules. Equipment and training are helpful too.
Using slip-resistant flooring and mats, for example, plus making sure that walkways are clear and well-lit, can significantly reduce risk. Educating employees on good housekeeping practices should also be part of maintaining safe environments.
2. Manual handling
Causes:
Manual handling injuries can occur due to poor lifting techniques, repetitive motions, awkward postures and a lack of mechanical aids. These injuries can lead to strains, sprains and other musculoskeletal issues that can put workers out of action.
Prevention:
Employers should provide and encourage the use of aids like trolleys and forklifts where relevant to reduce manual handling. But where it’s needed, providing training on correct lifting techniques is key.
Similarly, designing ergonomic workstations, encouraging regular breaks and scheduling job rotation can help prevent injuries linked to repetition.
3. Machinery and equipment
Causes:
Injuries involving machinery can stem from inadequate maintenance, lack of proper training, absence of safety guards and equipment malfunctions.
Prevention:
Regularly inspecting and maintaining machinery is a vital measure in combination with comprehensive training on its use, including the use of safety guards.
Reporting of malfunctions and near-misses can also help identify and address potential hazards before they cause harm.
4. Exposure to hazardous substances
Causes:
Dangerous substances include chemicals, fumes, dusts and other risks listed by the HSE. Accidental exposure to them typically occurs due to incorrect storage and handling of chemicals, lack of quality personal protective equipment (PPE) or poor ventilation.
Prevention:
Conducting risk assessments for these hazards is a crucial step, as is providing appropriate PPE and ensuring it’s used correctly.
Other measures include implementing proper storage and labelling of chemicals and training employees on their safe handling procedures. For employers, ensuring good ventilation in areas where hazardous substances are used and developing emergency response plans for spills and leaks can further protect workers from exposure.
Workplace safety is a shared responsibility that demands ongoing vigilance and commitment from both employers and employees. By identifying the common triggers of accidents and negating them however possible, businesses can create safer environments to reduce accidents and enhance overall productivity.
