According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), work-related injuries have drastically decreased as many business owners have taken preventative measures to safeguard their workers. Despite the seemingly safe environment created by employers, industrial facilities still record cases of work-related injuries. Here are eight common types of workplace accidents.
1. Slips and Falls
Slips and falls are the most common work-related injuries experienced in industries. Common slip and fall hazards include loose wires, wet floors, poor lighting, uneven walking surface, and clutter on the floor. Besides, employees could fall off while trying to access raised platforms or roofs. Slip and fall accidents are preventable with proper signage, training of employees, and keeping floors clean and clear of clutter.
2. Overexertion
Physical exertion is a work-related injury characterized by musculoskeletal injuries like strains and sprains. These incidents are likely to occur when an employee constantly engages in strenuous activity such as pushing, carrying, lifting, and holding. Employers should ensure they provide their employees with the right working gear to help with strenuous activities and adequate break time.
3. Electrocution
Electrocution is a lethal workplace injury that can lead to death. Common electrical hazards include frayed live wires, improper grounding, overloaded sockets, and improper use of extension and flexible cords. Poorly installed electrical equipment can result in explosions, fires, and shocks. Business owners should frequently schedule electrical appliance maintenance to avoid such disasters.
4. Caught In or Compressed by Machinery
Caught in or compressed by equipment is a work-related injury that results from being crushed, compressed, pinched, or squeezed by moving machinery such as rollers, conveyors, and cutters. Like electrocution, these injuries are fatal as they could lead to the loss of body parts and, in extreme cases, death.
5. Explosions And Fires
Explosions and fires at industrial facilities can occur due to faulty electrical appliances, combustible dust, flammable liquids, gases, or friction between moving parts of machinery. Injuries from explosions and fires can leave you with severe body tissue damage, with the intensity of damage varying from your proximity to the blast.
6. Crushes and Collisions
Crushes and collisions are injuries that occur when one is hit by moving objects such as vehicles and forklifts. For example, an employee working in a construction company will likely get hit by a construction truck if they do not have high-visibility apparel. An employee working at a warehouse can easily be run over by a forklift. Other accidents that arise from collisions include being hit by swinging, falling, rolling, sliding, or flying objects. These injuries are preventable by implementing workplace safety at all levels.
7. Cuts
Cuts are wounds caused by sharp objects such as knives. Employees who handle sharp objects without the proper gear are likely to get cut. Cuts are not life-threatening but can leave you in agonizing pain for days which may hinder how you go about your work.
8. Inhaling Toxic Fumes
Exposure to toxic fumes can leave you with various short and long-term health conditions. Employees who work in industries that deal with hazardous chemicals should always put on protective equipment when handling toxic chemicals.