Steps to Prevent and Reduce Workplace Accidents

1. Safety Program
Train employees on safety on an ongoing basis including new employee orientation, emergency preparedness along with safety training pertaining to their specific job requirements.

2. Display OSHA Posters
Place the posters where they are easily seen and can be referenced by your employees.

3. Record Accidents
Record all workplace fatalities and report any serious accidents (5 or more employees hospitalized) to a Federal/State OSHA Office within 48 hours of the fatality or serious accident

4. Notify Employees of Emergency Procedures
This information should be in employee manuals and company handbooks. All emergency phone numbers should be displayed prominently.

5. Proper Orientation of New Employees
This is the first step in preventing accidents and maintaining a safe workplace. Let the new employee know that safety is the main focus at your workplace.

6. Hazard Recognition / Reporting of Injury
Remind them that any injury must be reported without penalty and treated immediately, along with any unsafe conditions and potential hazards.

7. Management's Commitment
Stress your management's commitment to accident and injury prevention. Constantly remind supervisors to maintain safe and productive work operations.

8. Employee Participation
Employee's commitment and participation is needed to prevent accidents. Make it known that employees should not undertake a task without the proper training. Encourage employee suggestions to reduce potential safety violations.

9. Accident / Injury Prevention
Maintain a clean and healthful working environment. Reduce worker stress, exposure to hazardous substances, vision/hearing impairment, repetitive motion injuries and ergonomic injuries with proper protective equipment (PPE).

10. Safety Policy
Develop a safety policy including statements on safety, lists of prohibited conduct, consequences of committing prohibited acts along with how to report accidents, seek medical attention, etc.

11. Field Inspections
Conduct field inspections to monitor safety compliance.


A few OSHA Rights and Requirements

Employer Requirements
1. To maintain complete and accurate records concerning injuries and illnesses occurring on the job or as a result of conditions at the plant site
2. To consciously prepare and display an annual summary of workplace injuries and illnesses from February 1 to March 1

Worker Rights
Workers are allowed:
1. To refuse to perform work in a hazardous environment (toxic substances, fumes or radioactive materials)
2. To strike to protest unsafe conditions
3. To initiate an OSHA inspection of dangerous working conditions by filing a safety complaint
4. To participate in OSHA inspections, pre-hearing conference and review inspection hearings
5. To petition that employers provide adequate emergency exits, environmental control devices (ventilation, noise elimination devices, radiation detection tags, signs and personal protective equipment) and the ready availability of medical personnel
6. To request time off with pay to seek medical treatment during working hours
7. To request eating facilities in areas which have not been exposed to toxic substances
8. To request investigations when they are punished for asserting their rights

Accidents and Illnesses in the Workplace

Common Workplace Injuries

Sprains and strains
Sprains and strains make up 41% of workplace injuries in recent studies. Most of these sprains or strains involved overexertion or falls. Causes of sprains and strains are most commonly due to improper lifting techniques.


Common Workplace Illnesses

1. Cancers
Due to exposure to hazardous substances
2. Musculoskeletal Diseases (MSD)
"An injury or disorder of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, or spinal disks" (U.S. Dept. of Labor)
3. Respiratory Diseases
Due to exposure to pathogens
4. Hearing Loss
Due to misuse or non-use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
5. Asbestos-related Disease (lung cancer / asbestosis)
Due to inhalation of asbestos


How Accidents Happen

1. Floors / Walkway Surfaces
-Clear of objects / obstacles
-Spills cleaned up promptly
-Proper tread on footwear
-Make sure you can see where you are going

2. Improper Storage of Supplies / Merchandise
-Cleaning materials, toner and toxic chemicals properly stored
-Toxic materials stored away from non-toxic materials (to limit exposure)

3. Workplace Burns
-Fully trained how to use electrical equipment
-Clearly displayed warnings to prevent electrical burns
-Wear protective clothing / goggles when handling toxic chemicals (PPE)

4. Car and Truck Accidents
-Leading cause of work-related death
-Avoid multi-tasking / distracted driving
-Be rested and stretch regularly during long trips

5. Ergonomics
-Take stretch breaks to avoid straining
-Staring at a computer screen can affect vision; have regular vision checkups

6. Good Housekeeping
-Keep work areas clean and free of clutter to avoid potential hazards
-Clutter can cause slips, trips and falls as well as other injuries such as cuts, bruises or worse