The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) oversees the safety of more than 130 million workers each year, establishing and enforcing safety rules in the workplace. Despite the agency’s efforts and that of businesses to comply with regulations, workplace accidents are fairly common, and about 4,405 workers died on the job in 2013 alone. Industrial accidents make up a hefty portion of those accidents. A considerable percentage of those industrial accidents could be avoided by following proper on-the-job protocols, and by increasing the worker education programs.
Employers should provide training on appropriate procedures and techniques, as well as consistent supervision to ensure workplace safety. Manufacturing defects, poorly designed equipment and lack of proper equipment maintenance are also factors that come into play in these types of accidents.
Some of the most common industrial accidents are as follows:
Slips and falls. Workers should be provided non-slip footwear and proper training in safety procedures to avoid resulting injuries such as musculoskeletal pain. Surfaces — such as stairways, ledges, and hard floors – should not be covered with viscous fluids, or any other substances that could cause them to become more slippery. Floors should be cleaned regularly, and upon cleaning should be properly cordoned off while drying.- Falling objects. Injuries from falling objects may occur when items are improperly positioned while stationary or not restrained while being moved. Workers should be trained in appropriate placement and proper techniques for transporting items such as the use of restraints. Precarious storage of heavy objects on high shelves could cause a company to be liable for the resulting damages or injuries.
- Chemical burns/exposure. Chemical burns and exposure accidents occur when the chemicals are not properly contained and labeled with the chemical’s name and subsequent handling procedures. Transportation of said chemicals could cause injury as well, if proper precautions are not taken. Timely disposal of these chemicals – following the schedule recommendations for those particular substances – is also necessary to prevent workplace accidents due to exposure or leakage.
- Improper lifting/overexertion. Back, spine and limb injuries may occur over time as improper lifting techniques resulting from lack of proper training and supervision take their toll on the worker’s body. Workers need to know how to use supportive equipment and use correct techniques when lifting to avoid this type of injury. Back support gear may help in heavy lifting scenarios, but may not be sufficient to prevent serious and sustained injuries.
Slips and falls. Workers should be provided non-slip footwear and proper training in safety procedures to avoid resulting injuries such as musculoskeletal pain. Surfaces — such as stairways, ledges, and hard floors – should not be covered with viscous fluids, or any other substances that could cause them to become more slippery. Floors should be cleaned regularly, and upon cleaning should be properly cordoned off while drying.Industrial accidents occur when there is a failure to follow proper procedures, including taking shortcuts, improper handling of materials, misuse of equipment, fatigue and over-confidence about abilities. These accidents also occur when thorough training and emphasis on safety techniques and procedures are not accentuated and reiterated through vigilant supervision.
If you have been injured in an industrial accident, speak with a skilled southwest Ohio workers’ compensation attorney at Clements, Taylor, Butkovich & Cohen LPA, Co.