There are multiple risks associated with working in an industrial environment. These risks can lead to industrial accidents that result in injured workers. While these dangers cannot be avoided, it does not mean that accidents are inevitable. There are steps that workers and their supervisors can and should take to mitigate the chance of an accident.
After a work accident, the victim could be looking at a long recovery time, a loss of income, and added medical expenses. Those injured on the job are eligible to receive Workers’ Compensation. A victim should consult a Workers’ Compensation lawyer if they are having difficulty gaining access to these much-needed benefits.
Proactive work in and around a work site can vastly improve the safety of the areas, meaning that workers are less likely to get injured. There are several steps that workers and supervisors can take to improve working conditions. Listed below are ways to help prevent industrial work accidents
Safety Mindset
Everyone must be on board with safety procedures. No matter how many warning signs or guardrails are installed, if a person is going to ignore it, then injuries will happen. Workers and supervisors must be on the same page to ensure that safety is maintained.
Protective Equipment
Providing workers with the proper protective equipment while on the job will encourage safety. Safety goggles and hard hats protect from sparks or falling debris and personal protective equipment (PPE) can help for those working with or near hazardous materials.
Handle Hazardous Materials Correctly
Workers should be well-educated on the proper techniques to handle hazardous materials. Each material has its own regulations that companies must adhere to. Supervisors should ensure that workers are following all proper protocols to prevent accidents and injuries.
Safety Training
Before anyone goes to a job site, they should go through safety training. The entire team should take it and receive updated programs when there are changes in procedures. Training days should take place when the entire team can meet at once.
Keep Work Areas Clean
Maintaining a clean workspace can reduce work accidents. Clearing debris and other obstacles cuts down on slip and fall accidents. When someone is done with equipment, it should be stored properly.
Maintain Equipment
All equipment should be maintained and upgraded. Excessive use of equipment leads to wear and tear, and eventually, they break down unless they are properly maintained. When a machine breaks down, it can lead to massive injuries, depending on the failure.
Be Proactive
Safety needs to be a team effort. Workers must feel comfortable to report unsafe working conditions to their supervisors and not fear reprisal from management or coworkers. Even if the report is a mistake, workers must feel empowered to speak up.
Proper Lifting Techniques
Given the frequent lifting that workers perform, they should be trained in proper lifting techniques to minimize the strain on their bodies. Workers should also learn to lift heavy objects in teams to avoid injuries.
Allow Breaks
Employees require regular breaks, so they do not overextend themselves. Supervisors should schedule routine breaks throughout the day and make sure that their employees are taking them. This will minimize the chances of exhaustion and fatigue setting in.
What are Common Causes of Industrial Accidents?
There are a variety of industrial accidents that occur on a job site, and they can occur for a variety of reasons. Workers should be cognizant of these factors that lead to potential injuries. The common causes of industrial accidents include:
- Heavy Objects: Lifting heavy objects is common on a job site, and many workers do this at least once during their contract. However, heavy lifting can lead to straining, tearing, or spraining muscles, especially if the objects are too heavy.
- Fatigue: This condition occurs when workers push themselves too hard and try to work through breaks or beyond their shift. The body will feel strained because of ongoing physical exhaustion.
- Hazardous Materials: The handling and use of hazardous materials can cause a variety of injuries and other health concerns. Supervisors need to provide their workers with PPE to protect them from having direct contact with hazardous materials. If that equipment is not provided, it will put the workers in harm’s way.
- Falling: If the work area is not maintained and properly cleaned, there could be tripping and falling hazards, including debris on the ground or even smooth, slippery surfaces from excessive use. Falls can lead to major injuries, including broken bones, concussions, and severe cuts.
By knowing the hazards ahead of time, workers and supervisors can take steps to eliminate them to allow for a safe work environment.
How can Workers’ Compensation Help Me?
All industrial employers in Pennsylvania are obligated to offer their employees Workers’ Compensation. This is insurance that employees use to help pay their expenses that result from work injuries. Workers’ Compensation benefits pay for wage loss and medical care.
If an employee is injured at work, they must report the injury to their supervisor as soon as possible and seek medical help. The company may have a specific doctor or medical facility the employee must use to qualify for Workers’ Compensation. These benefits cover a variety of injuries. For help with benefits and filing a claim, an injured industrial worker should speak to a lawyer.
Pittsburgh Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at AlpernSchubert P.C. Help Injured Industrial Workers Collect Necessary Benefits
Getting hurt at work can be a traumatic experience, given the potential loss of income and an unknown medical future. Industrial workers are at risk of suffering injuries if they do not follow safety protocols. After a work accident, a Pittsburgh Workers’ Compensation lawyer at AlpernSchubert P.C. can help you with your work injury case. Call us at 412-765-1888 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Pittsburgh, we serve clients throughout western Pennsylvania, including Allegheny County, Lawrence County, and Washington County.