#Article
Top 10 Proven Ways to Prevent Workplace Accidents and Enhance Safety
In 2017, the National Safety Council reported that 104 million production days were lost due to work-related injuries, highlighting the significant impact of workplace accidents. These incidents not only cause physical and mental harm to employees but also lead to financial losses for employers.
Instead of reacting to accidents with temporary fixes, organizations should prioritize accident prevention in the workplace. By focusing on proactive measures, employers can effectively reduce risks and create a safer environment. These ten tips will guide you on how to prevent accidents in the workplace, ensuring a safer, more productive organization.
Don’t gamble with your company’s investigation processes.
Request your demo of Case IQ to find out how users are saving time, closing more cases, reducing risk, and improving compliance.
10 Best Ways to Prevent Accidents in the Workplace
1. Discourage Risky Behavior
Sometimes workplace accidents result from employees pushing themselves too hard. Maybe they want to impress their coworkers with their strength. Perhaps they want to increase their output in hopes of a raise. They may even have been injured before and begin working before they’ve fully recovered.
While you should encourage employees to be as productive and creative as possible, employee relations expert Simon Sapper suggests that employers “incentivize innovation, not accident-inducing risk.” Emphasize that employee safety is worth far more to you than a boost in productivity.
2. Implement Effective Control Measures for Accident Prevention
Credit: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
If you know the hazards that your workers face, make a plan to implement control measures that will reduce the risk of them turning into workplace accidents. This hierarchy of controls diagram shows the different categories of controls you can use and their effectiveness.
Consider, for example, an employee who works on a computer and is at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. The least effective way to mitigate this risk is to offer them a wrist brace (PPE). A better solution is to allow them short, frequent breaks (administrative controls). Even better, vary their tasks so they are not strictly doing repetitive typing motions for their entire shift (substitution).
3. Review Your Safety Policies and Procedures
Once per year, as well as after workplace accidents, review your organization's safety policies and procedures. Do they still apply to the risks your employees face? If you have changed the way you perform a task, started using new equipment or tools, or moved to a new location, your health and safety committee should update these documents.
When and if you update safety protocols, communicate the changes to your employees. Send a company-wide email detailing the changes for minor updates, but provide updated training if a policy or procedure changes significantly.
RELATED: Workplace Accident Investigations: The Definitive Guide
4. Providing Adequate Training to Prevent Workplace Injuries
According to David Reischer, CEO of LegalAdvice.com, “A poorly trained employee is not only a danger
to themselves but also to co-workers and other third parties.” Without proper training, an employee may unknowingly put themselves and their coworkers in danger.
Prevent workplace accidents by providing a thorough training program to every new employee, no matter how experienced they are. Even though it might take a little longer for them to start producing work, you'll protect employees from harm and yourself from a potential lawsuit. Also, conduct regular retraining sessions to keep employees up-to-date on policies and procedures.
Learn how case management software can help you manage workplace accidents and other health and safety incidents in our free eBook.
5. Perform Regular Inspections
In lines of work like construction, shipping, manufacturing and repair, using dangerous equipment can't be avoided. However, workplace accidents don't have to be an inevitable part of the job.
Perform regular inspections of machinery, equipment and tools. From each worker's hammer to large, shared machines, makes sure that the tools employees use for their jobs are safe and function properly. When something breaks, repair or replace it right away. Saving a few bucks on a machine part could cost an employee their health or your company millions of dollars in legal fees.
6. Supervise Employees to Reduce Workplace Accidents
Whether you’re working on a construction site or in an office, it’s important to provide all employees with adequate supervision. This ensures that employees understand their tasks and have easy access to a supervisor when they have questions.
Without a supervisor around, an employee who is unsure about their work might “wing it,” which could cause injury, equipment damage or time lost to fixing a mistake. Train supervisors to be open and communicate with their employees to encourage dialogue.
RELATED: The Complete Guide to Workplace Incident Investigations
7. Leverage Employees' Expertise for Better Workplace Safety
When creating a risk-management plan, control measures or safety policies, consult with employees. No one knows the risks workers face better than the workers themselves. Provide a suggestion box or hotline to help spot and address potential issues.
8. Implement a Risk Management Approach
"Adopt a risk management approach to operations—that helps you understand where danger is and work to mitigate or eliminate it," suggests Sapper. In other words, don't be reactive when it comes to workplace accidents. Instead, find ways to prevent them from happening in the first place. Don't wait until it's too late to figure out what risks your workers face; seek them out and mitigate them proactively.
9. Offer Different Types of Support to Employees
Workplace accidents can be caused by the employee's work environment, task or materials. However, their education, experience, or physical or mental condition may also factor in. When an employee is tired, overworked, sick or having issues at home, their mind is elsewhere and they can't perform their best at work. This could result in reduced productivity at best and a serious workplace accident at worst.
Offer employees a comprehensive list of physical and mental health resources both at work and in your benefits plan. When an employee feels supported and healthy all around, everyone is safer.
All workplace incidents need to be addressed, even if they don't result in harm to an employee or property. Use our near miss reporting form template to get started.
10. Use Case Management Software & Know How It Helps Prevent Workplace Accidents
Case management software makes it fast and easy to investigate and prevent workplace accidents. Rather than having to gather information and documents from all over the office, you can keep data and evidence right in the case file. With the capability to create an instant report and file it directly with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), you won't waste time doing paperwork. Finally, a case management solution can help you spot trends and high-risk areas so you can take steps to reduce workplace accidents.
FAQs
1. What can you do to prevent accidents in the workplace?
To prevent accidents in the workplace, you can implement various strategies such as discouraging risky behavior, implementing control measures tailored to specific hazards, regularly reviewing and updating policies and procedures, providing thorough training to employees, conducting regular inspections of equipment and tools, ensuring adequate supervision, consulting with employees for their expertise in risk management, adopting a proactive risk management approach, offering comprehensive support for employees' physical and mental well-being, and utilizing case management software for efficient investigation and prevention of accidents.
2. What is the best way to deal with accidents in the workplace?
The best way to deal with accidents in the workplace is to use case management software for efficient investigation and prevention, ensuring all incidents are addressed promptly, and implementing measures to mitigate future risks, while also providing comprehensive support for employees' physical and mental well-being.
3. What are the most common causes of workplace accidents?
The most common causes of workplace accidents include:
- Slips, trips, and falls: Often caused by wet floors, uneven surfaces, or cluttered walkways.
Improper lifting: Injuries due to incorrect posture or lifting techniques. - Falling objects: Accidents caused by unsecured items or equipment.
- Equipment malfunctions: Faulty or poorly maintained machinery that can lead to accidents.
- Exposure to hazardous materials: Chemicals, toxins, and unsafe environments can cause long-term injuries or immediate accidents.
- Human error: Lack of attention, improper use of equipment, or failure to follow safety protocols.
4. How can companies effectively reduce workplace accidents?
To effectively reduce workplace accidents, companies must foster a safety-first culture, implement proactive safety measures, and provide employees with the necessary training and resources. Regular risk assessments, timely safety audits, and ongoing employee education are essential steps. Establishing clear safety protocols and encouraging open communication about hazards can also help prevent accidents. Additionally, providing employees with the right tools, maintaining equipment, and encouraging the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) all contribute to a safer work environment.
5. Why is employee training crucial for preventing workplace injuries?
Employee training is crucial for preventing workplace injuries because it ensures that workers are aware of safety protocols, know how to properly use equipment, and understand the risks associated with their tasks. Well-trained employees are more likely to identify potential hazards, avoid risky behaviors, and follow safety guidelines, reducing the likelihood of accidents. Regular training also keeps employees updated on the latest safety standards, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and fostering a culture of safety within the organization.
6. How does supervising employees reduce accidents in the workplace?
Supervising employees plays a vital role in reducing workplace accidents by ensuring that safety protocols are followed, providing immediate assistance in case of hazards, and offering guidance on the proper use of equipment. Supervisors can monitor employees for risky behaviors, offer corrective feedback, and create an environment where employees feel comfortable reporting safety concerns. Proactive supervision helps prevent accidents before they happen by reinforcing the importance of safety in daily operations and leading by example.
7. What role does risk management play in accident prevention?
Risk management plays a critical role in accident prevention by identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential hazards before they lead to accidents. A structured risk management approach involves regularly evaluating workplace risks, implementing preventive measures, and creating contingency plans. By using data from past incidents, safety audits, and employee feedback, companies can make informed decisions about how to reduce risks. Effective risk management helps create a safer work environment, minimizes financial losses from accidents, and ensures compliance with safety regulations, ultimately reducing the number of workplace injuries.
8. What is the best way to decrease the potential for accidents in organizations?
The best way to decrease the potential for accidents in organizations is to implement a comprehensive safety program that includes regular risk assessments, employee training, clear safety protocols, and proactive supervision. Encouraging a safety-first culture, providing the right equipment, and maintaining a clean and hazard-free work environment are also crucial steps in minimizing risks and preventing accidents.
Take control of accident prevention with cutting-edge technology. Request a demo of our safety management software to see how it can help manage and reduce workplace accidents.