Slipping on banana peels have been a standard comedy staple since the days of Chaplin; yet slips, falls and trips are no laughing matter in the workplace. Luckily the UK has categorically had one of the lowest rates of fatal injury across the EU, thanks to stringent industry standards and regulations set upon employers for employees and visitors alike.

Although, non-fatal accidents are still a more real occurrence. Between 2017/18 the Health and Safety executive estimated 555,000 non-fatal injuries happened in the workplace. Now while you can’t prevent your workers accidentally injuring themselves out of the workplace, here are a few ways to keep those injuries to a minimum.

Safe-Proofing the Workplace

  1. Addressing Fall Hazards

Seeing how slips, trips or falls account for 31% of the total non-fatal injuries to employees. It should be one of the key areas to tackle first. The following are some examples of potential risks:

  • Boxes, chairs anything that an unsuspecting person could walk into and stumble over, should be moved right out of harm’s way. Just because you notice it doesn’t mean everyone else will. Be cautious.
  • Spills from washing up or drinks being spilt. The simplest method would be to address the spillage and clean it up immediately.
  • A rainy day means wet feet and dirty shoes. Having a serviceable mat offers up a suitable first line of defence were this to happen.
  • Spills or recent cleans should be given a more visual cue. Like the assistance of a caution, wet floor sign.
  1. Dealing With Burns

Without proper caution and safety gloves, some cleaning chemicals can leave a rash or irritation on the skin. When handling chemicals, use the appropriate protective equipment that the manufacturer recommends. Now, not everyone has to come into contact with this scenario in their day to day work; but, scalding burns are a different story.

It’s happened to the best of us. Getting hit by hot water or splashes of cooking oil usually leaves a nasty scald. When it comes to a simple burn, the best method is to leave your finger under the tap and then apply an anti-inflammatory ointment. For a setting where you would deal with a high likelihood of superficial, partial or full thickness burns and scalds. Prepare yourself with a specialised first aid burns kit.

  1. Taking Care of Cuts, Scrapes and Injuries

Getting fingers caught in a door or cutting yourself while preparing food. Cuts, scrapes and minor wounds are often more irritating than deadly. With these situations, an employee or employer trained in first aid will be able to take care of the damage with the help of a first aid kit on hand.

For those who work with more deadly machinery, your training will have taught you all about the dangers of these devices. However, if an unfortunate scenario were to happen, it’s pivotal to have an effective first aid kit on hand before the first responders make it to the scene.

And for those who work in a more sedentary field.

Well.

office tips safe

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