Preventing common workplace accidents in 2016
Now that 2016 is here, many Americans will be trying to follow through on the New Year’s resolutions they made in December. Unfortunately, a lot of resolutions are destined to fail because the goals are too lofty and the planning too minimal. Experience shows that success is far more likely if we set realistic goals and exert effort on a daily basis.
This is a good reminder for businesses as well as individuals. The 2016 calendar provides an opportunity for companies to rededicate themselves to promoting safety in the workplace. And rather than worrying about huge overhauls to procedures and policies, most businesses can prevent workplace accidents with some small but strategic changes in how daily business is conducted.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most common types of non-fatal work injuries are slips, trips and falls. These can just as easily occur in an office setting as they can in a warehouse facility. Thankfully, they are also fairly easy to prevent.
The specific remedies to slip, trip and fall accidents will vary depending on the work environment. But common sense should guide the changes in each case. Some tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure that floors and stairwells are free of unnecessary clutter and objects
- Maintain good lighting throughout the building
- Clearly mark areas with uneven floors or other hazards that could lead to slips, trips and falls
- When possible, improve traction on stair treads, concrete floors and other potentially slippery surfaces
- Ensure that bare surfaces stay dry, including entryways
Whatever changes your company implements, ensure that all employees know about them and receive proper training. After that, the key to preventing accidents is to encourage daily vigilance. Important changes must include the development of new habits.
