What are Workplace Injuries?
Workplace injuries are injuries that arise out of or occur during employment. These injuries, which can be serious, are common when on the job and happen across all occupational sectors.
Causes of Workplace Injuries
Most of the workplace injuries manifest in the form of:
- Open wounds
- Bruises, burns
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Deafness
Although there is no shortage of ways people can injure themselves at work, most work-related injuries are a direct result of:
- Poorly setup workplaces
- Lack of safety education among staff
- Fatigue due to lack of breaks
- Stress (tight work schedule or time pressure)
- Employee or employer negligence
- Hazardous materials
- Dangerous machinery
- Poor lighting
- Workplace violence
Major Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries can be physical (fractures, burns, etc.) or psychological (anxiety or depression). They include but are not limited to:
- Slips, Trips and Falls
- Causes: Wet floors, spillages, small objects, loose carpets, uneven or damaged floors, slippery surfaces, disarranged furniture, improperly designed stairs, etc.
- Prevention: Stay alert while walking around.
- Cure: Call for medical help or see the doctor at the earliest.
- Muscle Strains
- Causes: Lifting heavy items and sitting at the desk for hours leads to strain, particularly in the back and neck.
- Prevention: Training on proper lifting techniques, using ergonomic chairs, doing stretching exercises, frequently changing position.
- Cure: Have massage therapy and take adequate rest.
- Being Hit by Falling Objects (Toppling Incidents)
- Causes: Objects falling from shelves or cupboards, improperly secured shelving units.
- Prevention: Providing adequate storage cages, training the staff on how to store items safely.
- Cure: Call for medical help or see the doctor at the earliest.
- Repetitive Strain Injury
- Causes: Forceful or repetitive activities, poor posture.
- Prevention: Taking precautions and regular breaks, using ergonomic equipment.
- Cure: Take adequate rest.
- Cuts and Lacerations (Tears)
- Causes: Poor training, inadequate safety procedures, not wearing proper protection.
- Prevention: Providing adequate safety equipment, putting the right procedures in place.
- Cure: Call for medical help or see the doctor at the earliest.
- Inhaling Toxic Fumes
- Causes: Hazardous substances in the form of dust, fumes, mists, gases and vapors.
- Prevention: Wearing the correct workwear including goggles and fitted face masks.
- Cure: Call for medical help or see the doctor at the earliest.
- Exposure to Loud Noise
- Causes: Constant noise at work can lead to hearing damage or hearing loss.
- Prevention: Using safety measures such as ear protection.
- Cure: Call for medical help or see the doctor at the earliest.
Additionally, walking into sharp objects and violence or fights at work could result in minor to severe injuries requiring medical attention.
Prevention of Workplace Injuries
Prevention is always better than the cure. It is important for every employer to take proper preventive precautions. As the saying goes “to be forewarned is to be forearmed”, employers need to ensure proper procedures and adequate safety equipment is in place.
Regular risk assessments within the workplace too can help in avoiding unnecessary injuries. Proper training, clear signage, alertness, etc., can go a long way in preventing workplace injuries.