Three Common Workplace Injuries—And What You Can Do To Prevent Them
In order to maximize resources, it is vital for companies to effectively handle and prevent workplace injuries. Not only are workplace injuries costly to the company, but they contribute to a decline in workplace productivity. Check out these three common workplace injuries and what you can do to prevent them.
1. Chemical Burns
Chemical burns occur when a worker's skin is exposed to harsh chemicals. The chemicals literally penetrate the skin, causing irritation to occur. Severe burns may result in blackened or dead skin. When the chemical burn occurs, there may not be any initial symptoms, especially with milder burns. However, redness and burning develop several hours after exposure.
The Prevention
In order to prevent chemical burns, it is necessary to wear protective gear on all parts of the body that may come in contact with chemicals. A face mask protects the face from splatters; make sure the face protection has eye coverings so that the eyes are protected as well. Gloves, rubber sleeves, and leather or rubber clothing protect the rest of the body from chemical exposure.
2. Musculoskeletal Injuries
Musculoskeletal injuries occur when the tendons, bone, ligaments, or muscles are injured. In a workplace setting, musculoskeletal injuries often occur due to repetitive movement, especially when the movement is not ergonomic. Some common types of musculoskeletal injuries are carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and muscle strains.
The Prevention
Using ergonomic movements is key to preventing musculoskeletal injuries. However, one common mistake that hinders ergonomic movement is to wear the wrong type of protective gear. For example, if you need a strong grip to do your job, safety gloves that weaken your grip can contribute to musculoskeletal injuries. Instead, opt for gear that encourages workers to use the right type of movements.
3. Lacerations
Lacerations occur when the skin is torn. The tears can be as minor as a paper cut or as extreme as a gaping wound. There is a plethora of ways that lacerations can occur in the workplace, such as scraping the skin against a machine or mishandling sharp equipment. Once a laceration occurs, the wound needs to be closed, be it through a bandage or stitches. Proper cleansing is vital to prevent infection and to encourage proper healing.
The Prevention
One way to decrease the likelihood of lacerations is to encourage workers to use safe techniques when cutting or handling sharp equipment. Implement programs that place value on safe workplace practices. It is also important for workers to wear the proper safety gear. For example, when using cutting blades, workers should wear wrist guards and gloves. When cutting material that is likely to splinter, make sure workers wear face protection to prevent facial lacerations from flying debris.
Unfortunately, you cannot prevent every workplace injury. However, with the right equipment and procedures, you can drastically decrease their occurrence. Contact a supplier like Riteway Safety and Supply to find industrial equipment.