Preventing Workplace Injuries
- Posted on: Jan 2 2014
Getting hurt on the job is a very serious matter. Unfortunately, workplace accidents are far 
too common. Each year, more than two million workers are injured severely enough on the job that they cannot return to work and need ongoing medical care. They say “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure”. This is particularly true when it comes to workplace accidents. The best way to diminish injuries sustained at work is to prevent the accident from happening. This requires proper education for the employer and the worker. The following are 5 practices to prevent workplace accidents:
- Shortcuts and Shortcomings-It’s natural to want to get the job finished on schedule but with a “get it done quick” attitude, accidents happen. Don’t take shortcuts. Stick to the instructions and work with diligence and awareness of your surroundings. Also, if there are shortcomings in the instructions, don’t begin the work until they are clarified and all your questions are answered! You must always be comfortable and familiar with the procedure before commencing any work.
- Safety in Transit-According to OSHA, workplace driving accidents cost employers an average of $60 billion a year. Make sure that all company vehicles are inspected each month and necessary repairs are made as soon as possible. Before driving a company vehicle, check break lights, turn signals, tire pressure, and amount of gas in the tank.
- Weather the Weather-Both inside and outdoor work may expose you to extreme conditions. Whether very hot or very cold, both ends of the temperature spectrum can impact your health. Cold-Dress in layers and make sure you properly cover your head, feet, hands, and face. Always keep a change of clothes at work in case your clothes get wet. Heat-Wear loose fitting clothes, take frequent breaks in a cool rest area, and get plenty of fluids. If you have preexisting medical conditions, consult your doctor before working in extreme heat.
- Make PPE a VIP-Personal Protective Equipment is crucial to prevent injury, so make sure you wear it and wear it properly. This includes goggles and face protection, gloves, hard hats, safety shoes, ear muffs and/or ear plugs.
- Shipshape Safety-Many workers don’t realize the negative consequences of poor housekeeping.
If an unkempt workplace becomes the norm (paper, debris, clutter, and spills are accepted as “familiar”), then more serious health and safety hazards are overlooked and injuries become more probable. Assess your work environment with a critical eye and pay attention to the layout of the workplace, aisle marking, adequacy of storage and maintenance. Report dangers or deficiencies right away.
The most essential thing to do after you have suffered a workplace injury is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. All work injuries MUST be reported to your employer. Even if you do not think you have suffered a serious injury, go to a doctor and get properly examined. Many times injuries that may not seem serious initially can develop into a much more dire condition later on.
Remember, you must go to a physician that is certified by New York State to treat workers compensation patients. A certified workers compensation doctor in Brooklyn can treat you at no cost and can also properly document your work-related injuries so that you will be compensated for your lost wages if you are physically unable to work. When you return to work, you can still be treated for free.
Dr. Jeff J. Mollins has been certified by the State of New York to treat workers compensation patients for over 25 years. He and his quality, competent group of referred specialists (also certified) can diagnose, treat, and document any injury that you may have sustained on the job.
Leave it to Dr. Mollins to get you back to work and healthy as expeditiously as possible.
Posted in: Blog, Work Injuries
