In 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 5,486 fatal work injuries or 3.7 fatalities per 100,000 full-time employees in the United States. Another 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries occurred in the same year. Industrial workplaces often face higher rates of fatalities and injuries than other industries due to the nature of operations. In the following post, we will examine some of the most common accidents at industrial workplaces.
Most Common Industrial Accidents
Every company has safety standards and regulations employees must follow to reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and death. Some industrial jobs are permitted after specialized training and certifications. When employees take shortcuts or employers fail to provide sufficient employee training, there is an even higher risk of a serious accident. Damaged or improper safety tools and equipment, slippery flooring due to spills and weather, and other causes may lead to workplace accidents and injuries.
Falls From Heights
Falls from heights occur commonly in numerous industries, including construction and warehousing. Workers in these industries must use forklifts, harnesses, ladders, and other equipment to complete their jobs. If these items fail or employees lose their balance or use unsafe practices, a fall from a high level can occur.
Falls from heights can result in serious or fatal injuries. Reduce the risk that an employee will fall from heights by implementing the following tips:
● Implement strict safety protocols.
● Ensure every employee receives complete training regarding safety protocols.
● Ensure employees use tools and equipment properly.
● Ensure employees follow all safety rules that are in place.
● Regularly inspect safety equipment.
When an employee falls from a high level, it may result in serious injuries or death. If the fall results in significant blood loss or loss of bodily fluids, hire the professionals at Trauma Services for safe, efficient cleanup.
Your janitorial team likely cannot handle biohazard clean-up. If an employee fall results in significant blood or bodily fluid loss, call a trauma scene clean-up crew. A clean-up crew is trained to remove blood and particles effectively and safely. The crew adheres to OSHA regulations and ensures the company is safe for everyone.
Machine Accidents
Machine accidents can occur due to faulty equipment, clothing getting entangled in the machine, malfunctions, or numerous other issues. Machine accidents are common in industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and construction. OSHA reports that about 18,000 machinery accidents occur every year in the U.S.
Machinery accidents can be especially devastating for employees, as they can result in serious injuries and fatalities. Many machinery accidents require the specialized clean-up offered by a biohazards company. This company removes contaminants and decontaminates the area to reduce any potential contamination.
Chemical Spills
A report by The Guardian says that a chemical spill occurs nearly daily in the United States. Since many workplaces use hazardous chemicals, accidents involving the substances can be serious.
Chemicals such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, ammonia, and acetone are used in manufacturing and industrial settings and pose a danger if they come in contact with the skin, especially in larger quantities. Chemical spills can cause severe burns and respiratory problems and may cause environmental contamination.
Fires
A fire at your workplace can result from faulty equipment, faulty wiring, improper usage of chemicals, or for one of several other reasons. A fire can quickly spread and cause significant injuries and damage to the surrounding structures. Protect yourself from a fire and escape the building if the blaze is too large for a fire extinguisher.
Call a clean-up biohazard crew after you get the green light to return to the facility. A biohazard clean-up crew ensures that all the particles and debris left behind in the building from a fire are removed, reducing health and safety risks to employees.
Tips to Prevent Workplace Accidents and Injuries
Use the following tips to protect employees from potentially devastating workplace accidents and injuries. Utilizing this information ensures everyone is safe and sound, and offers additional benefits including improved operational efficiency.
● Maintain Cleanliness: Accidents occur less frequently in clean, clutter-free environments. Ensure items are put in their place, out of the work environment, after use. A work environment that is clean and clutter-free is more comfortable and safer than one that is dirty and cluttered.
● Conduct Safety Training: Ongoing safety training educates employees about important safety information, potential hazards, and the correct safety procedures that should be followed. Conducting safety training ensures employees get a refresher course to keep the information fresh on their minds, and that new hires are trained correctly. Regular safety training significantly improves workplace safety.
● Follow Rules and Regulations: Every business needs clear, outlined safety protocols, rules, and regulations that employees should understand and follow. Include clear guidelines concerning the handling of hazardous materials and how to respond to other dangerous environments.
● Inspect Your Workplace: Regular workplace inspections can help identify faulty machinery or other potentially dangerous environments and situations and correct them before injuries occur.
● Utilize PPE: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) helps prevent accidents and injuries and should be provided to employees when working in potentially dangerous environments. Train employees on proper usage of PPE before they use it for the first time.
● Reporting System: Implement a reporting system at your workplace that allows employees to report hazardous conditions anonymously or without fear of retaliation. Many employees remain silent about important issues due to their fear of repercussions.
● Specialized Training: Offer specialized training courses that employees can complete to broaden their knowledge of certain machinery, equipment, and processes. Offer a completion reward to encourage employee participation.
The Bottom Line
Workplace accidents like those outlined above can result in serious injuries or death. In those situations, ensure you have a great clean-up crew ready to assist. Your janitorial team isn’t equipped to handle this type of incident. With a professional clean-up crew, you gain more confidence that things are cleaned up according to regulations so everyone stays safe and healthy.
