Injury, also known as physical trauma, is a damage to the body caused by an external force – accidents, falls, hits, weapons, and other causes.
An accident is an incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, resulting to damage or injury. They are bound to happen and may not be avoided all the time as are usually unforeseen. However, they can be greatly diminished if safety precautions are adhered to.
ARE THERE SPECIFIC INDUSTRIES THAT WORKPLACE ACCIDENT TAKE PLACE?
When most people think of workplace accidents, they often automatically associate them with high-risk industries, such as construction or manufacturing.
Injuries can occur in any type of workplace, but there is higher risk for workers in the construction and manufacturing industry especially when training and safety protocols aren’t followed. They could sometimes lead to physical injuries or other disabilities.
Statistics by the International Labour Organisation show that a worker dies every 15 seconds, while 153 workers have work-related accidents every 15 seconds. Furthermore, it is also shown that 6,300 people die as a result of occupational accidents. Most of them also die from work-related diseases per day with a total figure of 2.3 million deaths per year. These alarming statistics show the extent of the seriousness of occupational accidents globally.
10 MOST REPORTED WORKPLACE INJURIES
The most common injuries in the workplace are also random incidents that can happen to anyone and at any time, even outside the work place. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure a safe working environment. Also, each employee has a responsibility to themselves to take caution when at work.
As listed by leading insurance companies around the world, 10 most reported injuries;
- Slips, trips and falls
- Muscle strains
- Being hit by falling objects
- Machine entanglement
- Crashes and collisions
- Cuts and lacerations
- Inhaling toxic fumes
- Exposure to loud noise
- Walking into objects
- Fights at work
PREVENTING ACCIDENTS AT WORK
Below are simple steps you could take to prevent accident at the workplace;
- Keep work spaces clean
- Post proper signage
- Stay up to date on Vehicle maintenance
- Report dangers and accidents
- Provide proper training
- Provide proper equipment
- Avoid shortcuts
- Put formal safety policies and procedures in place
- Put someone in charge of safety in your company
- Communicate your expectations for a safe work environment
- Inspect your facility regularly with your safety coordinator
It is important to be extremely cautious at work to avoid accidents. Accidents when they happen can lead to the loss of productivity and even physical disability.
SOURCES: National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, International Labour Organisation (ILO), WHO, Vanguard Newspaper
About Us
The Flying Doctors Nigeria is a member of the British Safety Council that specializes in providing medical solutions such as air ambulance and medical evacuation, ground ambulance procurement and leasing, remote medical services such a medical staffing, online company clinic set-up, site clinic management, occupational health, medical evacuation insurance and other health consultancy services for the oil & gas industry as well as other corporate, military and non-governmental organizations.
For information about how we can support your organization please:
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