Avoiding Accidents In the Workplace

Accidents are a serious problem for workplaces all over the world. Serious injuries are caused every day by improper practice. In addition, many businesses get shut down, and owners can face fines and legal trouble for not following regulations. Whether you’re a business owner or an employee, you need to be mindful of potential accidents and how to reduce them.

In the UK, there are strict regulations to ensure health and safety is a priority for businesses. Still, there are plenty of other ways you can improve the health and safety culture of your company and reduce the potential risks of accidents. If you’re an employee, there are also lots of ways to reduce your chance of becoming another statistic.

Following Safety Procedures

The single most important thing to do to avoid accidents in the workplace is to ensure proper safety procedures are being followed. All staff should be given the relevant training to use equipment, tools and machinery. In addition, mandatory signs should be placed throughout the workplace. It’s important that these are easy to see, and give clear instructions on current procedures.

For example, safety signs can point out when safety equipment such as glasses or hearing protection should be used. They can also be used to inform people about potential hazards such as slipping, dangerous machinery or flammable materials. These signs are mandatory under UK regulations, and failing to display them may result in a fine.

As an employee, you can keep yourself by always staying informed on the latest safety procedures and following them closely. Even if something might take longer due to safety guidelines, you shouldn’t cut corners. Failing to follow procedures can result in a serious accident, and you may be liable for damages caused.

Taking Part in Regular Training

Safety conscious businesses should put regular training as a priority for all workers. This should cover all existing safety procedures, as well as any new changes that might be made over time. It’s important to make this training regular, as otherwise the correct process may be forgotten over time.

However, some employees may find it difficult to engage in training, especially when it’s covering the same topic. It’s a good idea to look for ways you can make it more interesting. For example, engaging in interactive sessions that involve group participation and even games. Workers should also be rewarded for taking part, and given incentives to engage and give their own opinions and ideas.

If you’re an employee, you may also benefit from taking part in first aid training. St Johns Ambulance runs first aid courses which anyone can take part in, and it gives you up to date training on what to do in an emergency situation. This can be invaluable in case of an accident, and it could also help your career. Designated first aiders are often given extra duties and responsibilities within a business.

Risk Assessments

The best way to prevent potential accidents at work is to carry out regular risk assessments. These help identify potential risks such as dangerous equipment, live electrical wires and flammable materials. Every business should use risk assessments as a way to highlight key hazards before looking at ways to reduce them.

When making your risk assessment, rate the likelihood of a risk developing into an accident and assess the severity of the accident it would cause. You can rate each risk using this system, and focus on the ones that are the most likely and would have the biggest impact.

Once risks have been identified, they can be addressed. For example, you can reduce the risk of accidents due to heavy machinery by training employees correctly and ensuring warning signs are in place.