Both employees and employers feel the impact of workplace-related accidents. Besides causing physical, psychological, and financial hardships, the accident might lead to low productivity, a negative company reputation, and increased insurance costs.
Therefore, determining the cause of workplace-related accidents is critical to ensuring a safer working space for all company employees. It ensures that workers will not be injured in a workplace accident in the future. In addition to revealing the underlying cause of workplace-related accident injuries, this article gives insight into how organizations can help employees work freely and without fear, for maximum productivity.
The causes may include the following.
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First is poor safety culture at work
When a company has a poor safety culture, it could be dangerous for them and their employees as well. If the safety measures in an organization are inadequate, it means that its priority for the employees’ safety is not guaranteed.
Therefore, employees will be forced to ignore the challenges and dangers of working in such an environment to get their work done. For example, when workers are forced to work without
protective gloves, they risk being injured, but they may have no other alternative but to work in these conditions.
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Second is the lack of training
Sometimes, employees need training and orientation before working in specific roles. For example, if you work in the manufacturing department and need to learn how to use the equipment, you will need training to operate it. With proper training, workers can safely operate their work equipment and avoid unsafe practices in the workplace.
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Third is poor equipment maintenance
Failing to maintain equipment properly is a major workplace safety hazard. When poorly maintained machinery suddenly malfunctions, it can lead to fatal injuries or even the loss of life. For example, a machine with damaged components poses a danger to workers using it as it can break down when operating it.
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Fourth is unreliable communication
When employees have trouble communicating with each other, some may be unaware of potential dangers they could face in their workplace. For example, when employees fail to communicate effectively in a fire emergency, it may cause confusion and panic as people sprint in every direction to save themselves from the disaster. Hence, putting themselves in even more danger.
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Fifth is stress in the workplace
Stress in the workplace is risky. This is because it can lead to employees’ inability to pay attention when working, which can lead to accidents.
For instance, it is easy for a stressed worker to ignore safety protocols and pursue shortcuts, thereby compromising the general safety of everyone. Additionally, stress may also cause depression and anxiety that influence workers’ ability to do their work safely.
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Lastly, fatigue may also lead to workplace accidents
When employees are overworked, they get fatigued and may be unable to focus entirely on the tasks or even make wise decisions at work. For example, a fatigued employee tasked with operating heavy machinery could be inattentive, thus increasing the likelihood of an accident.
To summarize, workplace-related accidents have unimaginable physical, emotional, and financial impacts on employers and employees alike. To minimize and prevent their occurrence, companies must prioritize safety. They can do so by providing relevant training, properly maintaining equipment and machinery, promoting effective employee communication, and managing workplace stress and fatigue.
Therefore, as we have seen in the article, addressing the above issues will enhance the productivity of its employees and their overall output. Additionally, it will boost the organization’s social reputation as well.
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