Workplace injuries are a common problem in the United Kingdom. According to figures cited by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, around 1.8 million people each year suffer from work-related illness. Around 561,000 people, what’s more, have sustained an injury while at work. The cost to British employers of injuries and illness amounts to around £20.7 billion.
Many of these problems are preventable, if workers and employers focus on a handful of major driving factors. So, what are these?
Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)
Repetitive strain injuries are often sustained by workers performing the same tasks over and over again. You might think of an office worker, spending eight hours a day at a keyboard. But a highly-specialised construction worker who is wielding an impact driver for much of the day might be at risk, too.
Often, RSIs can be brought about by poor ergonomics, and poor technique. Showing workers how to use their equipment properly, and rearranging desks, can be helpful. The same can be said of regular, enforced breaks, and exercises to keep affected areas strong and protected.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
While a repetitive strain injury can emerge gradually, a slip or fall can be sudden and disastrous – particularly for older workers whose bones might not be able to cope with an impact of this kind.
Regular risk assessments, which focus on floor-related hazards like wet surfaces and clutter, can be key to driving down the risk. For many workplaces, having a rigid procedure when it comes to housekeeping can make a difference. Make sure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to tidiness, and launch regular surprise inspections to hold everyone to account.
Slips, trips and falls can be a legal concern, too, since the injuries that result from these accidents might cause an employee to seek a legal remedy. A legal claim can often mean a payout from the employer, who is legally obliged to provide a safe working environment.
Manual Handling Injuries
Heavy objects must be carried and lifted using proper equipment and technique. While you might get away with lifting sacks of cement from your spine for years, this kind of error can put you at risk. Employers can mitigate these risks by providing the right equipment, and by training everyone in how to lift loads of this kind safely.
Exposure to Hazardous Substances
Some jobs involve exposure to hazardous substances. Where employees are charged with handling these substances, extra care should be taken to ensure that they are protected. Chemicals can lead to respiratory problems, skin conditions, and eye irritation. The provision of personal protective equipment might therefore be critical.
Mental Health Strain Due to Workplace Stress
You might not consider chronic workplace stress to be a form of injury – but often, the symptoms can be severe. You might suffer elevated blood pressure, and therefore elevated risk of diseases like cancer and heart disease. Headaches, and a general drop in productivity, might also be a problem.