Reducing Accidents in the Workplace as an Employer

A Guide to Reducing Workplace Accidents

Accidents in the workplace can be very distressing for those who experience them, as well as their loved ones.

Accidents in the workplace can also be very costly for employers as they may have to pay compensation after their employee suffers an accident. If the employer is found to have acted negligently, which helped to cause the accident, then they will have to pay out compensation. Any time taken off work by the injured party may lead to reduced productivity within the workplace and money may have to be spent finding a temporary replacement. These costs can easily add up for an employer. 

That is why it is better to follow health and safety guidelines and avoid workplace accidents – primarily for the safety of your employees but also for the economic benefit. 

Avoiding accidents caused by human error can seem difficult. However, there are certain measures that can easily be taken to create a safer work environment for everyone, lowering the risk of an accident and an accident claim. 

Hire the Right Candidate

When creating a job description for new staff it is important to have a clear idea of the right sort of candidate that you would like to fill that role. Your job description and requirements should be tailored towards finding that ideal person as much as possible, such as putting what sort of education or training is expected of them prior to receiving the job. In most cases, someone who has received training or has experience in a similar job role is likely to be more aware of the risks involved within that industry and therefore less likely to make a mistake. 

If you are hiring someone who does not have the education or experience normally required for the job role it is important that you provide that for them. Signing new employees up for training courses is crucially important, especially if they have not worked within that industry before. However, if they are new to the industry it may also be useful to have them shadow someone who works within their department so that they can learn what to do and how to be safe within the workplace. 

Implement Safety Training

Devising and implementing compulsory safety training for staff is an incredibly important and necessary precaution for all businesses to take. This is particularly important for businesses whose production involves the use of machinery or the handling of dangerous substances as the risk of injury is increased within such workplaces. It should be a rule that staff members cannot operate equipment fully unless they are competent in the correct handling procedures and have received any training or certificates that are necessary for the role. Employers should ensure that all staff understand the implications of failing to adhere to health and safety standards and procedures – a casual attitude to dangerous tasks creates a hazardous work environment for everyone. 

Reduce Stress – Reduce Accidents

Stress is believed to be a major cause of accidents within the workplace. Dr David Spiegel from the Stanford Centre on Stress and Health argued that there is a direct correlation between an increase in worker stress and an increase in workplace accidents. Stress amongst staff is caused by numerous different factors, including family matters and financial worries. It can often be difficult to completely stop such concerns from affecting working life. However, there are certain precautions that can be taken to help reduce stress levels. In such cases, many employers adopt a flexi-time approach to allow staff members to deal with personal problems or mental health issues as they arise. The flexibility to work from home, most likely to be implemented in office jobs, can also help to reduce stress in the workplace. Larger companies sometimes hire counsellors or outside representatives to help coach employees and tackle stress within the workplace. However, that is not necessarily an option available to all employers due to the costs involved. Still, these sorts of approaches can help to reduce stress in the workplace, as well as making employees feel more comfortable about speaking to their bosses when issues arise.  

How to Reduce Accidents in The Workplace – Eliminate Risky Procedures

By identifying and eradicating any high-risk activities in the workplace, you will often find a decrease in accident occurrence. If it is not possible or practical to put a complete stop to a high-risk activity, then you should look for ways to make it safer and simpler for staff to carry out the work out the work. Employers should ensure that the area is clearly marked with thorough instructions outlining safety warnings. If the task is repetitive and lengthily, regular breaks should be taken to help change the routine and new colleagues should take over the task at a set time to reduce the risk of injury. 

Making Personal Injury Claims

You may be entitled to compensation for a range of compensation claims under accident claims. Our experts will help assess your potential claim going forwards and provide you with proficient advice.

Contact First Personal Injury to discuss your potential compensation claim today by ringing 0333 358 2345 or by filling out the online claims form.

To learn more or to start your claim, get in touch with our expert team on 0333 358 2345 or contact us online.