There are many reasons for accidents, but we have noticed the main four reasons. We had a flurry of Medical Treatment Injuries over the July and August months. All of them were minor injuries but a couple of them had the potential to be catastrophic.
Whilst all of these injuries were unrelated in the type of injury they were, they all had similar underpinning causes.
As an employer, our best strategy to reduce the safety risks to our employees is to ensure our people have the correct skills and experience to do the job well and to implement controls that can limit the chance of an accident.
By far the biggest impact on workplace safety is having a strong safety culture and having the right mindset and attitude.
No-one gets out of bed on a morning and thinks “let’s have an accident today” so let’s look at the main reasons for accidents:
1. RUSHING.
Employees often feel constant pressure to complete tasks as quickly as possible so that they can move onto the next task. Usually, an employee will rush because they want to do as much as they can for their employer, but it’s a good intention with a poor outcome. Rushing reduces the quality of workmanship and increases the chances of not following the correct safety steps to complete tasks. Accidents increase on Fridays, holiday weekends or when jobs are behind schedule. It’s important to remind employees that working safety is the first priority, even if it means taking longer to finish the job.
2. LIFTING
No one should be lifting heavy objects in the workplace. If you need to move something heavy on a regular basis then machinery and equipment should be provided and routinely used. If it’s an infrequent requirement then a fellow worker should be recruited to help. Remember your safe lifting procedures.
3. POOR HOUSEKEEPING.
A messy workplace is a dangerous workplace. Objects and debris on the floors pose trip and fall hazards, wet or dirty floors can cause slips, cluttered surfaces can conceal sharp objects. Good housekeeping extends to tools and equipment too “a place for everything and everything in its place”. Having your items well organised and available sets a good example for other safety precautions.
4. COMPLACENCY
Employees should be confident about what they’re doing, but overconfidence or complacency may diminish carefulness or attention. Overconfident or complacent employees are likely to ignore safety precautions with an “I’ve done this a thousand times” attitude. It’s important for them to understand that accidents can occur any time to anyone, no matter how skilled or experienced. The first step to an accident involves the false belief that experience makes you invulnerable.
For more information, please contact us or call (08) 9368 9800.