Approximately 2.6 million nonfatal workplace accidents and injuries occur annually in the United States’ private sector. Of these injuries, roughly 15 percent affect workers in manufacturing and industrial jobs.
Employees in industrial workplaces are at high risk for health and safety issues. To reduce the risk of these problems, maintain maximum productivity, and avoid potentially costly legal fees, employers should implement strategies that protect their team members and companies.
Discussed below are some of the most beneficial practices to minimize health and safety risks in the industrial sector.
Common Industrial Workplace Injuries
Regardless of the size of the company or the specific processes being executed, some accidents and injuries are more expected than others in an industrial environment. The following are the most common ones to be aware of:
Machine and Contact-Related Injuries
These injuries can be caused by a broken or malfunctioning machine or incorrect/unsafe contact with a machine. For example, if someone is distracted and misuses a device, they could face severe injuries like crushed or lost limbs. In serious situations, fatalities can occur as well.
Slip, Trip, and Fall Injuries
If someone slips on spilled liquid or trips over an item that isn’t stored correctly, they could fall and injure themselves. Especially in a manufacturing setting where much of the equipment is heavy or sharp, it’s easy for a fall to lead to a more serious injury.
Vehicle Injuries
From forklifts to trucks and vans, all kinds of moving vehicles and machines are used every day in an industrial workplace. Misusing these vehicles can easily cause accidents for the driver or anyone who gets in their way.
Chemical Injuries
In environments where employees regularly use hazardous chemicals, it’s vital that everyone receives proper training and understands how to handle them safely. Exposure to these chemicals, either through breathing them in or if they make contact with the skin, can cause severe injuries and illnesses.
Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs)
When employees perform the same motion repeatedly (for example, those working on assembly lines), they increase their risk of experiencing repetitive stress injuries (RSIs). One of the most common RSIs is carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs when the median nerve in the arm is compressed.
Overexertion Injuries
When employees in industrial settings don’t lift heavy items correctly or try to lift more weight alone than they’re able, they can experience overexertion injuries. These injuries can include herniated discs, chronic lower back pain, and shoulder pain.
How to Prevent Industrial Accidents
Employers, managers, and supervisors can take several steps to prevent industrial accidents, including the following:
Prioritize Safety Training
One of the most effective ways to prevent industrial accidents is to provide regular safety training.
New employees should be briefed thoroughly on proper protocols for using equipment, navigating the work area, and reporting potential hazards. All team members should receive regular reminders as well.
Only Hire Qualified Employees
Carefully vet employees during the hiring process to ensure they have the proper prerequisites (training/education, experience, etc.). Hiring team members with a base level of knowledge will help you minimize accident risks and create a more efficient workplace.
Hire Enough Employees
Mistakes are more likely to happen when your company is understaffed. An employee shortage can lead to team members working too long without taking breaks, juggling more tasks than they should, or cutting corners to keep up with demand.
Provide Protective Gear
Make sure all team members have the proper protective gear, such as safety glasses, gloves, and work boots. Masks or respirators can also help employees who regularly work with hazardous chemicals or are exposed to strong fumes.
Schedule Routine Machine Maintenance
When machines are regularly inspected and maintained, they’re less likely to malfunction. If employees use devices that work correctly, they will be safer on the job and have an easier time completing their assigned tasks.
Encourage Employee Feedback
Your employees can provide valuable insight into what is and isn’t working at your company.
Encourage them to provide feedback regarding potential hazards, health risks, and other issues that interfere with their safety on the job. Act on the feedback, too, to show that you listen to and want the best for your employees.
What to Do When Accidents Happen
Sometimes, accidents are unavoidable, even when you do everything right to try and mitigate them. If an accident does occur, these tips can help you manage them quickly and prevent further issues:
Clear the Area
To prevent any additional damage, clear the area where the accident occurred.
Turn off equipment that could potentially get in the way or cause more problems. Tell other employees to move away to avoid getting hurt as well.
Assess the Scene
After the area’s been cleared, survey the scene and identify the cause of the accident and the severity of the injury.
If you suspect that the employee needs an ambulance, call 911 right away. Follow all of the 911 dispatcher’s instructions (for example, they might ask you to describe the injury or take specific steps to manage it).
Assist the Injured Employee(s)
Use a first aid kit to address minor injuries like cuts and scrapes. If someone has a broken limb, you can also stabilize it with a splint to reduce the risk of worsening the damage while you wait for help to arrive.
Collect Reports
Once the injured employee has been cared for (and taken to the hospital if needed), start collecting reports from those who witnessed the accident.
Take pictures of the scene and document essential details, including the severity of the injury and what caused it.
This information will come in handy in the future for potential workers’ compensation claims or legal issues. It will also help you identify what you need to change to prevent the same accident from occurring again.
Final Thoughts
There’s always a chance of accidents and injuries in the industrial workplace, where heavy machinery use and a fast-paced environment are the norms.
Managers and supervisors should review and implement the guidelines and best practices discussed above to reduce health and safety risks and maximize their teams’ productivity.
