Every year, thousands of American workers are injured on the job, whether in an office, a retail store, a restaurant, or some other type of commercial property. Although workplace accidents can range from the very minor to the severe and even deadly, nearly all are preventable in some way. A minimal amount of proactive effort now can help prevent a catastrophic workplace accident in the future, protecting both employees and the company. Today's Aegis blog post looks at the top causes of workplace accidents and how they can be avoided.

Slips and Falls

Although they might appear minor or even comical, slips and falls in the workplace can lead to devastating injuries and intense pain for victims, with recovery times ranging from days to years. Slips and falls can occur for a variety of reasons, including the presence of a liquid or slippery substance on the ground, an excessively slick floor, cracks or tripping hazards, or inadequate lighting near walkways. Companies can prevent injuries and reduce Workers Compensation claims by improving visibility around the property, especially at night, as well as removing any equipment or materials that could become tripping hazards. Employees should also be trained to notify management or building personnel immediately if there are wet areas on the floor or slippery spots that need to be cleaned up.

Heavy Lifting

Businesses may occasionally require employees to lift heavy tools, equipment, materials, or merchandise from one location to another, but employees can seriously injure themselves in the process. Employees may injure their back, neck, head, arms, legs, hands, or feet while attempting to move heavy items, especially if they lack the training, safety equipment, or physical ability to do so safely. Businesses can reduce employee injuries by having teams of workers move heavy items together instead of just an individual, having safety equipment such as a shoulder dolly or back support belt available, and training employees on the proper way to lift and carry heavy items.

Equipment Accident or Failure

Occasionally, a worker may be injured or even killed because of an accident or failure with company equipment. For example, an auto repair worker may be hurt if the vehicle lift breaks, or a restaurant employee could be injured if a large mixer malfunctions while they're operating it. Although businesses cannot prevent all workplace accidents or equipment failures, some can be prevented through regular maintenance and inspections of safety equipment and large-scale machinery. Companies should ensure that all safety inspections and routine maintenance are performed in all areas of the business, including tools and equipment, production machinery, commercial vehicles, and safety gear. This proactive step can make a large impact in protecting the safety and lives of employees.

Employees are the most important asset a company can have, so protecting their physical safety should be a top priority for business owners. In addition to protecting employees, companies could reduce potential Workers Compensation claims, improve employee morale, maintain productivity, and reduce the need to find and train replacements for injured workers. Another way companies can help protect their business and employees is through reliable, cost-effective Commercial Insurance with Aegis. Aegis Insurance & Financial Services is a leading provider of top-quality Commercial Insurance packages, tailored to industry-specific needs. Contact Aegis today at 713-850-7622 for more information, or fill out our online form for a free quote!