Showing posts with label Workplace Injuries. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Workplace Injuries. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

10 Most Common Workplace Injuries

10 Most Common Workplace Injuries (2008 Workplace Safety Index)

1. Overexertion –Caused by rigorous activities at work such as pulling, lifting, pushing, holding, carrying, and throwing.

2. Fall on Same Level Surfaces – Wet/Slippery Floors, Lack of Good Housekeeping, Snow on Sidewalks Outside

3. Fall to Lower Level – Falling from an elevated surface such as roofs, ladders, walls, and stairways.

4. Bodily Reaction - These are injuries caused by slipping and tripping without falling.

5. Struck By Object – This type of injury happens when objects fall or dropped by someone from a height. An example is a falling hammer in a construction site that may hit another person below it. This can be a very serious type of workplace injury.

6. Struck Against Object – This type of workplace injury refers to running into concrete objects such as walls, doors, tables, cabinets, chairs, glass windows, etc.

7. Highway Incidents – Transportation used for business purposes such as trucks and cars may be involved in an automobile accident just like any regular traveler.

8. Caught In/Compressed By – This type of injury usually occurs in a factory where large and dangerous machinery is used. Sometimes little or no precaution in its usage and may endanger the safety of its operators. Exposure to extreme temperature is also an example of this workplace injury.

9. Repetitive Motion – This type of workplace injury is less obvious but definitely harmful in the long run. Repetitive motions such as typing and using the computer 24/7 can strain muscles and tendons causing back pain, vision problems, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

10. Assaults and Violent Acts – This may not be a frequent occurrence but is nonetheless causing injuries among employees who engage in physical attack against each other.

Ways To Prevent Workplace Injuries and Accidents

1. Plan Ahead

-Plan location of equipment and furniture

-Warning signs for dangerous equipment

-Engineering control systems (can minimize awkward positions, strenuous handling and repetitive motion problems)

-Manuals for proper usage of work tools, updated regularly and enforced to employees

-Fitness and exercise programs to avoid overexertion

-Employees should be extra careful in daily activities

-Keep employees properly trained with safety training, including refresher courses


Quality, comprehensive safety training found here!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Workplace Accident Plan ( Just In Case )


Planning ahead can help you identify the risks and hazards involved in your specific workplace and prepare for or avoid them altogether. Nobody intentionally has a workplace accident, but they can happen.
Having a specific plan in place helps employees to avoid accidents or to handle them calmly and efficiently if they do occur.

1. Have a Safety Committee

-Regularly monitor employees
-Recommend safety training for employees
-Identify potential risks, hazards or unsafe conditions in the workplace
-Have employees report unsafe conditions to safety committee

2. Have Emergency Medical Supplies On Hand

-Basic First Aid
-Advanced emergency supplies (depending on your workplace hazards)
-All employees should be trained how to use the emergency equipment and supplies
-CPR Training for some or all employees
-Employees should be aware of emergency contact in case of emergency or accident

3. Respond Quickly
-If the emergency warrants it, call 9-1-1
-If not an immediate emergency, employee injured should seek medical attention ASAP
-Do not move the injured victim until medical help arrives
-For electrical burns, DO NOT apply ice, ointment or adhesive bandage
-For chemical burns, remove any clothing/jewelry that came into contact with chemical and wash away the chemical
-For fire, smother the fire and remove any burned clothes; cover burns with clean, dry cloth
-Answer any questions about what happened when medical help arrives

4. Collect the Facts
-Document any information about the scene to determine the cause of the accident
-Interview all witnesses immediately
-Take note of any evidence at the scene
-Keep people away from any potential dangerous equipment

5. Get Legal Advice
-Consult an attorney who specializes in workplace injury and illnesses
-They can make sure your rights are protected

Check out these First Aid, Accident Investigation and Emergency Preparedness Safety Videos offered by Wumbus Corporation.

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