Table of Contents
Workplace accidents can be devastating for the individual involved, their colleagues, and the workplace as a whole. While it is impossible to completely avoid all accidents, a thorough risk assessment and safety policies should be able to prevent most workplace accidents.,
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Many workplaces do involve hazards such as machinery, chemicals, biological hazards, heights and extreme temperatures. A good risk assessment will identify these dangers and allow you to provide the appropriate PPE to mitigate risks with items such as hard hats on a construction site to goggles in a laboratory. As well as providing the correct PPE, it’s important to also monitor it regularly for wear and tear and replace as necessary.
Training
Any employees working with tools, machinery, chemicals or other hazardous substances should receive training to ensure they can do so safely. Additionally, all staff should be given training on physical and mental health, and safety procedures, including how to respond in an emergency such as a fire or chemical spill so that even in the event of an accident, the risk of injury is minimised.
Employee monitoring
In addition to checking that employees know the correct safety procedures, it is also vital to ensure they follow them at all times. A drug and alcohol use testing program can identify those working under the influence even if they appear to be functioning well.
Matrix Diagnostics can supply testing kits and provide drug testing lab services for urine, hair and oral fluid with a quick turnaround time. They can also analyse your current protocols for gaps and help you develop and enforce policies that minimise risks for all employees.
Machinery checks
Regularly inspect tools, machinery, vehicles and any other equipment used in the workplace to ensure they meet the required safety standards. Wear and tear, accidents and the passing of time can render previously functioning equipment unsafe.
Cleaning
Workplaces should be kept clean and tidy to avoid accidents. Be sure to implement a regular cleaning routine. Spills can cause slips, while equipment left carelessly lying around can result in trips. Making sure spills are quickly mopped up and that equipment is appropriately stored will reduce the chances of these occurring.
Signage
Signs are an effective way of ensuring that employees and visitors alike know how to keep themselves safe. These can range from temporary signs identifying a hazard such as a wet floor to fixed signage providing information of what PPE is required in that area or if an area is restricted to certain trained personnel.
In the event of an accident
Even with the most robust safety procedures, accidents can happen. If an accident does occur, make sure the details are recorded. These reports will allow you to adjust your safety procedures as necessary to prevent a reoccurrence and will allow you to comply with the relevant legislation.
If an accident does occur, the priority is to reduce and minimise injuries with practiced evacuation procedures, fire extinguishers and trained first aiders. As with all other equipment, fire safety equipment and first aid kits should be inspected regularly to ensure they are functioning well and are fully stocked.
