by Lola Davis

Creating a safe workplace requires a combination of hazard elimination and personnel training. Physical safety and environmental security should be placed at the top of the list of importance for employers.

Exploring Workplace Injury Trends
Each year, more than 4.5 million people seek medical treatment for workplace injuries, according to the National Safety Council. Sadly, there are more than 4,500 preventable work deaths each year as well.

In 2021 and 2022, the most common cause of workplace injuries was overexertion and bodily reaction, with 1,001,440 cases. This encompasses non-impact injuries resulting from excessive physical effort such as lifting, pushing, turning, holding, carrying or throwing. It also includes repetitive motion injuries, such as microtasks, resulting in stress or strain on some part of the body.

Slips, trips and falls were the second most common cause of workplace injury, with 674,100 cases, and exposure to harmful substances or environments was the third, with 658,240 cases. These top three causes accounted for more than 75% of all nonfatal workplace injuries that involved days away from work.

How to Create a Safe Workplace Environment
Employers should continuously monitor and improve safety practices for workers. It is possible to create a safe workplace environment for employees by complying with specific regulations and industry standards, in addition to educating employees.

Eliminate Hazards
Creating a workplace free of hazards is vital. The most important reason is to protect employees from physical and emotional harm. Injuries and illnesses can have devastating consequences, causing pain, suffering, lost wages and even death. By eliminating hazards, risks are significantly reduced and a healthier work environment is created.

Many industries must comply with regulations established by agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which mandates that employers provide a safe workplace. Failing to comply with those regulations can result in hefty fines and penalties.

Provide Comprehensive Safety Training
When equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify hazards, follow safe work practices and use personal protective equipment (PPE) properly, employees are less likely to get hurt. This translates to fewer lost workdays, reduced medical expenses and lower workers’ compensation claims, saving businesses money in the long run.

Comprehensive training empowers employees to understand the “why” behind safety protocols. They gain a deeper awareness of potential hazards specific to their roles and the workplace as a whole. This fosters a sense of responsibility and a proactive approach to safety, leading to a safer work environment for everyone.

Implement Safe Work Practices
Safe work practices are the cornerstone of a healthy and successful workplace. Accidents and injuries can have devastating consequences, causing pain, suffering and lost wages. Safe work practices significantly reduce these risks by outlining proper procedures and minimizing exposure to hazards.

Following safe work practices can improve efficiency and productivity. When employees aren’t worried about getting hurt, they can focus on their tasks and complete them more effectively. Additionally, fewer accidents mean less disruption and downtime.

Provide Proper PPE
Providing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees is a vital part of a comprehensive safety program. PPE serves as the final line of defense against workplace hazards. While engineering controls and safe work practices are ideal for minimizing risk, there will always be situations where some level of exposure is unavoidable. PPE steps in to protect employees from these residual hazards, safeguarding their health and well-being.

Proper PPE, like safety glasses, gloves, respirators or hard hats, can significantly reduce the severity or prevent work-related injuries and illnesses. For instance, respirators protect workers from inhaling harmful dust or fumes, while safety glasses shield their eyes from flying debris.

Promote a Culture of Safety
A culture of safety in the workplace goes beyond simply following rules and regulations. It’s a shared mindset where everyone prioritizes safety and takes responsibility for preventing accidents and injuries. When safety is a core value, employees are more vigilant, report hazards proactively and follow safe work practices. This translates to fewer accidents, leading to a healthier workforce and lower costs associated with injuries.

When employees are focused on their tasks and not worried about getting hurt, they can be more productive and efficient. Fewer accidents also mean less disruption and downtime in the workplace.

Create a Safer Workplace with a Secure Environment
There are many factors that contribute to a safe workplace. These involve eliminating hazards through identification and control, providing essential safety training to employees, developing safe work practices, complying with safety regulations, ensuring employees have proper PPE and promoting a culture that values safety. By taking these steps, employers and employees can avoid most preventable workplace injuries.