Authored By: Iris Garrett

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 5,000 workers were killed from injuries sustained in the workplace in 2015, the highest death toll in this category in eight years.

Our team at Advocate Capital, Inc. works with many law firms across the U.S. who specialize in workplace injury cases. Along with our clients, we know how often these incidents can occur, and though there may be no way to protect your employees from all types of workplace injuries, Bryan Pope of The Legal Examiner says there are steps you can take to make them less frequent. We’ve shared his steps below.

Get Basic Training

Pope says by offering basic training on proper lifting techniques, safety practices, and help when job duties change, you can reduce many common workplace injuries (like back and shoulder pain). He also says employers should emphasize the importance of taking regular breaks.

Recognize Hazards

Pope says physical, ergonomic, chemical, and biological hazards are the four main types of workplace hazards workers can fall victim to, but each can be prevented if you recognize the risks beforehand:

• Physical hazards are those involving spills, heights, and loud noises.

• Ergonomic hazards occur when working conditions cause discomfort to an employee’s body.

• Chemical hazards include fumes, toxic vapers, and flammable materials.

• Biological hazards are those involving people, plants, and animals.

Take Advantage of Safety Equipment

Pope says wearing personal protective equipment (goggles, gloves, safety shoes, earplugs, etc.) is essential to preventing workplace injuries. He says employers should ensure their workers are not only provided with these tools but are also properly trained on how to use them.

To read Bryan Pope’s full article, click here.

Photo Credit: freerlaw