How to Avoid Accidents in the Workplace
Accidents at the workplace can be prevented by being proactive and alert. Follow these simple steps to maintain a safe working environment.
Over thousands of workers are injured on the job every year, sustaining grievous injuries that prevent them from returning to work and requiring constant medical care. Workplace accidents are varied and common. Having said that, most of them are actually preventable. The employer has the legal obligation to ensure the safety and protection of their employees. But it is also the responsibility of the employees to stay alert, mindful and cautious, and take necessary precautions to avoid accidents at the workplace.
A lot of people associate workplace accidents with construction, manufacturing or chemical industries. However, an accident can occur at any place of employment if necessary protocol isn’t followed and adhered to religiously. Every employer must ensure that their employees are following the best practices to avoid any mishap in the workplace. Here are a few practices that can be followed to prevent accidents at the workplace:
Avoid shortcuts
It’s common for any employee to want to finish work before or on schedule, but making haste and taking a shortcut can lead to catastrophic accidents. It is always advisable to stick to instructions and be aware of your surroundings. Many times, employees are unsure about safety precautions it is a must to be acquainted with the technique before starting any work. Avoiding shortcuts could make a huge difference to your safety.
Actively participate in emergency drills
By taking part in emergency drills, an employee will know what to do and can follow instructions given without any confusion and misinterpretation of the rules. It is the duty of the employer to conduct periodic emergency drills so that an employee is aware of what to do in a situation like – if there is a fire, earthquake or any other emergency. The employees who don’t actively participate in these drills are not only putting their lives at risk but also those of their co-workers.
Keeping the workspace clean
In most cases, people don’t consider cleanliness as an important factor to avoid accidents. A cluttered workstation is harder to maneuver around, and employees are more prone to accidents. Something as simple as running computer cables and wires properly will prevent a tripping hazard. Keeping your workspace clean can go a long way when it comes to decreasing the number of accidents.
Keeping an eye out for potential causes of accidents
In the event that you notice a precarious or dangerous situation at work, don’t simply kick back and wait – make a move before something happens. That means making repairs to unstable regions it also means giving a warning to fellow employees who are working in unsafe conditions. Appointing a safety team to help keep an eye out for hazardous situations will also help.
Post proper signage and safety guidelines
Employers should post signs that will remind employees about the safety hazards associated with a particular piece of equipment or a workspace. These signs should be put up in a noticeable place and should be easy to read.The backbone of a happy and well-functioning organization is one that is free of accidents and has a safe work environment. It is the job of every employer to make their employees feel comfortable and safe.
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VOCABULARY WORDS :
1.Grievous (adj) = causing grief or great sorrow
2.Varied (adj) = characterized by or exhibiting variety various diverse diversified:
3.Protocol (noun) = the customs and regulations dealing with diplomatic formality, precedence, and etiquette.
4.Haste (noun) = swiftness of motion speed celerity:
5.Catastrophic (adj) = of the nature of a catastrophe, or disastrous event calamitous:
6.Mishap (noun) = an unfortunate accident.
7.Maneuver (noun) = a planned and regulated movement or evolution of troops, warships, etc.
8.Hazardous (adj) = full of risk perilous risky:
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION :
1. What are the common types of accidents in the workplace that you know? Discuss your answer
2. Why do accidents happen in the workplace?
3. Are you aware of any risks of working in your workplace?
4. Do you know what to do if there is an accident at work?
