Tips for Preventing Workplace Injuries

Workplace injuries are far too common, considering how preventable most of them are. Throughout the day, some workers think about things that have nothing to do with work, such as what they’re doing after work, how many hours they have left to work that day, their weekend plans, or, quite commonly, how they’re not getting paid enough in this economy. But that’s just human nature.

If you have been injured or suffered illness on the job in Pennsylvania, let the Lancaster hurt at work lawyers at Vanasse Law LLC help you recover what you’re entitled to under Pennsylvania workers’ comp laws.

Common Workplace Injuries

Both employers and employees have a vested interest in preventing workplace injuries. To accomplish this, it’s good to know what to look out for. Some of the most common workplace injuries/illnesses include:

• Slips, trips, and falls
• Falling objects 
• Repetitive strain injuries from repetitive motions 
• Crashes and collisions 
• Cuts and lacerations
• Strained muscles
• Mental trauma like anxiety or depression

How to Avoid Common Workplace Injuries

The best way to avoid the costs and resources necessary to deal with workplace injuries is to avoid them altogether. Some simple steps you can take to prevent workplace injuries include:

• Remain Alert. Stay alert while you’re performing your job duties so that you can increase your productivity and avoid being hurt or causing harm to others.
• Be an Active Listener. Listen and participate in emergency drills so that you’ll instinctively know how to act in the event of an actual emergency.
• Follow the Safety Program. Safety programs at your workplace are implemented for a reason, and that is to keep you and your co-workers safe. Adherence to safety programs is almost always mandatory.
• Be Aware. Be aware of possible causes of accidents so that management can address these issues and prevent injuries before they have a chance of actually happening.
• Communicate. Actively communicate with your supervisor about the possible risks inherent in certain tasks if you feel they may be dangerous.
• Know Your Limitations. You may enjoy the challenge of a particular job that you’re unfamiliar with, but taking a high-risk position that you haven’t been trained for is quite dangerous to yourself and others.
• Observe the Post Signs. Safety awareness signs are often posted in the workplace to help prevent injuries. Don’t simply ignore them.
• Be Safe Rather Than Sorry. Don’t do anything that puts your safety and the safety of others at risk, even if others may scoff. It’s better to appear timid and safe than reckless and injured.
• Adhere to the Dress Code. Dress codes in the workplace are often as much about safety as they are about professional appearance. Always wear the appropriate safety uniform and other required protective equipment when you’re working for your own safety as much as anything.
• Ask Questions. When you are unsure about how to proceed concerning some task, ask questions until you understand.

Contact the Lancaster Hurt at Work Lawyers for More Information About Avoiding Workplace Injuries

Injuries at work are, to a certain extent, unavoidable. However, they can be drastically reduced in terms of numbers and seriousness by following the workplace safety tips described above. If you’ve been injured at work, contact the Lancaster hurt at work lawyers at Vanasse Law LLC for a same-day response.