Smart Workplace Safety Tips To Help Prevent Common Accidents On The Job

At Thomas F. Martin, PLC, Orange County Workers’ Compensation Attorney Thomas Martin has helped many injured workers seek fair workers’ compensation benefits after being in a workplace accident. But no matter how much we enjoy our job and serving injured workers, it would be better if there were no on-the-job accidents in the first place. After all, workplace safety is ultimately the responsibility of employers, supervisors, regulators, and parent companies.

Keep these general tips to avoid common workplace accidents in mind whenever on-the-job:

· Slip and trip accident prevention: From retail stores to office locations, slip hazards are a real problem for employees that can result in serious injuries. All walkways should be well-lit, clear of clutter and cables, and dry. If there is a slip hazard, safety cones should be placed around it to prevent people from walking there until the issue is fixed.

· Ergonomic equipment: Repetitive stress injuries (also known as cumulative trauma) have proven to be a health hazard for office workers, especially carpal tunnel and similar wrist and hand conditions that come after long hours spent at a computer. Ask your supervisor for ergonomic equipment that is designed to prevent repetitive stress injuries in particular.

· Full shutdown: Whenever someone services, empties or cleans a piece of heavy machinery, or any equipment with sharp parts, it should be completely shut off, unplugged, and locked out, when possible. Only the person actually servicing the equipment should carry the key to the lockout system, ensuring no one else could possibly turn the machinery back on.

· Stay together: If your job requires you to scale heights, cross precarious planks, or enter any otherwise dangerous area – all hazards common to construction and industrial jobs – you should stay close to a coworker as much as possible. In case there is an accident, someone will be there to call for help immediately.

· Medical kits: There should be ample medical supplies at every workplace for first-aid care and intervention. The larger the worksite, the more first-aid kits there should be. Ideally, it should not take more than one minute for an able-bodied person to reach medical supplies and bring it back to the accident site.

Even with all the best preventative measures in place, you may still get hurt in a workplace accident. The injury can also arise from someone else’s negligence. If you need professional assistance in a workers’ comp claim, appealing one that was denied, or fighting for compensation in the courtroom, know that Thomas F Martin PLC – Orange County workers’ compensation attorney – can help. Learn more about your rights and options today during a free case evaluation – just call 714.547.5025 to begin.