Accidents can easily happen in the workplace, regardless of how many precautions an employer might put in place. In 2022 over 565,000 employees suffered non-fatal accidents in the workplace and a further 123 suffered fatal injuries. Accidents can happen for any number of reasons from poor health and safety practices to accidental slips and trips and much more. There are many different classifications of workplace accidents and injuries and the umbrella defined by law covers everything from a cabinet falling onto someone to a vehicle collision.
Most Common Accidents to Happen in the Workplace
strong>Falling Objects - Whether you work in an office, shop or warehouse or even in construction, there is the risk of objects falling from a height. Be it someone hasn’t stored something correctly, and items hasn’t been secured or something else, falling objects can easily strike a person.
strong>Vehicle Collisions - There are many jobs which involve driving and no one can predict when a car accident might happen, however it isn’t just vehicle to vehicle collisions to consider. Vehicle to person collisions are just as likely, and even with smaller vehicles such as forklifts trucks, driven lawn mowers and much more.
strong>Slips, Trips and Falls - Slips, trips and falls are one of the most common types of accidents to happen in a workplace. Whether a wire has been left out, someone hasn’t put a wet floor sign down or something else, before you know it someone could end up injured as a result of a slip, trip or fall.
strong>Manual Handling - For any job that involves lifting or moving heavy or unusually shaped objects, manual handling always poses a risk and that’s why all employees should be given both health and safety and specific manual handling training to ensure they are moving and carrying objects correctly.
strong>Repetitive Strain Injury - One of the lesser known accidents/injuries to happen in the workplace is repetitive strain injury. Many people don’t realise they are suffering from it or just put it down to the job they do. But employers should do all they can to mitigate repetitive strain injuries from occurring especially in industries such as office works, hairdressers, assembly line workers and decorators.
strong>Exposure to Pollutants - Exposure to pollutants isn’t talked about enough, however it should be high on any employers list of accidents/injuries in the workplace to occur. From sound pollution to toxic fumes, employees need to have the correct COSHH and H&S procedures in place to mitigate the risk to themselves. Something similar such as not putting a pair of ear defenders on could lead to an employee suffering from hearing problems.
strong>Cuts - How many times do you cut yourself at home? Well, it’s just as easy in the workplace. Cuts and lacerations can easily occur in any type of workplace, whether you work in a kitchen or an office. One of the issues with cuts is, if they aren’t addressed immediately and treated, they can easily become infected leading to more serious complications.
Preventing Accidents in the Workplace
Whilst many accidents in the workplace happen out of the blue, there are many which could be prevented with the correct measures in place. At Safetynet Scotland, we provide tailored health and safety solutions for our customers. Whether you need policies and procedures drawn up, health and safety training, risk assessments, fire safety or something else, we can help. We have a team of dedicated and fully trained health and safety consultants who will work closely with you to ensure you fully meet health and safety requirements. Contact us today to see how we can help you.
