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How to Prevent Work-Related Accidents

On-the-job injuries result in more than just days of work lost. Increasing costs to treat and rehabilitate these types of injuries make preventative education a necessary component of employee education. Some companies provide preventative instruction to help prevent work related accidents. It may be in the best interest of employers to provide such classes as a part of the employee wellness plan. Follow these steps to keep yourself safe at work.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer with Internet access
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Instructions

  1. Learn to Prevent Work Related Accidents

    • 1

      Use proper safety equipment, like protective head gear and glasses with proper safety shields, when working on hazardous job sites.

    • 2

      Make sure to devote your full attention to job tasks that require physical lifting. Often, accidents could have been prevented if the employee had been paying proper attention to the task at hand.

    • 3

      Ask for assistance if you feel an object is too heavy to lift. Using the buddy system helps distribute the weight of awkward or bulky items and allows for safe movement.

    • 4

      Wear a back brace to prevent injury. Relatively inexpensive back supports can be worn over clothing to encourage proper ergonomics.

    • 5

      Learn more about how to use physical therapy to recover from a work-related accident from the "American Physical Therapy Association" Web site (see Resources below).

    Recognize Work Related Injuries

    • 6

      Pay attention to pain. Pain is your body's immediate response to injury. If you feel sudden pain after completing on the job tasks, discontinue the work and notify a supervisor.

    • 7

      Be aware that certain jobs may lead to specific types of injury or strain as a result of repetitive motions. For example, carpal tunnel injury is prevalent among supermarket cashiers because repetitive motion is part of their daily job.

    Focus on Injury From a Company Perspective

    • 8

      Look to implement a safety prevention program as a requirement for employees that use industrial equipment like saws, nailers and post hole diggers.

    • 9

      Purchase necessary safety equipment and first aid kits. A good rule is to have one kit for every 30 employees.

    • 10

      Expect that an employee will need some time off from work or physical therapy after an injury. It may be necessary for the employee to stay home to allow an injury time to properly recover.

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