Ways to Help Your Business Prevent and Reduce Injuries in the Work Environment
No employee should be afraid or at risk of any dangers at work. About 180 work related deaths and around 30,000 injuries or illnesses occur at the work place each day, most which could have been prevented. Injuries and deaths that happen on the job cost an estimated $156 billion each year, that’s 5x the cost of AIDS, about as much as the cost of cancer, and 3x the cost of Alzheimer’s.
Most and many of these injuries and illnesses can be dramatically reduced and prevented with the proper training, practice of safety procedures, using safety equipment, handling hazardous matter safely, and establishing safety inspection routines. Other tips to prevent dangers and injuries:
Employees:
No employee should be afraid or at risk of any dangers at work. About 180 work related deaths and around 30,000 injuries or illnesses occur at the work place each day, most which could have been prevented. Injuries and deaths that happen on the job cost an estimated $156 billion each year, that’s 5x the cost of AIDS, about as much as the cost of cancer, and 3x the cost of Alzheimer’s.
Most and many of these injuries and illnesses can be dramatically reduced and prevented with the proper training, practice of safety procedures, using safety equipment, handling hazardous matter safely, and establishing safety inspection routines. Other tips to prevent dangers and injuries:
Employees:
-If you sit while working on a computer, make sure knees are positioned at a 90 to 120 degree angle. Back strain can be relieved by using an angled foot rest.
-Chair has an ergonomic frame and fits properly.
-lift heavy loads with the knees by bending the hips and knees as if you are squatting and keep the back straight, keeping the object close to the body. Do not twist body while lifting or holding heavy loads.
-Use both hands to lift any heavy object. Do not over exert yourself, rest if tired
-Do not lift or place down any heavy load, do not reach more than ten inches
-Stretch often while sitting for long periods of time
-Exercise often to build strength and flexibility
-Use equipment and tools that are ergonomically designed and/or with extension handles if needed
-Immediately inform supervisor of any injury or possible violations of OSHA regulations
Employers:
-Practice OSHA safety procedures and establish safety rules
-Train employees and remind employees of safety rules often
-Clean toxic spills ASAP
-Allow employees to rest if too tired and strained
-Teach employees how to use tools correctly and what to do if an emergency arises
-Let employees report potential dangers and risks
-Establish a safety checking program
It is very important that you follow these steps to greatly reduce the number of injury, illnesses, or even deaths that can happen to any business. You may not be aware of the dangers your business faces. If you are concerned about your New York worker’s compensation insurance or New York business insurance and want to speak to protect your experience modification factor as well as reduce risks, there are various Advisory Firms in New York and New Jersey who are willing to help you and your business.