To avoid workplace accidents, it is important that companies develop and follow good safety procedures. Additionally, maintaining equipment in good repair, preparing for emergency situations and properly training employees are also necessary components of avoiding work place injuries. The following information, provided by a Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia workers comp lawyer firm, is intended to assist you in maintaining work place safety, so that you can avoid on-the-job injuries.
General Work Place Safety
Some guidelines for maintaining general work place safety include:
- Maintain a clean work area at all times
- Avoid unnecessary hazards
- Maintain all machinery in good working order
- Implement a strong preventative maintenance plan
- Provide clear work procedures and safety instructions
- Keep an accurate OSHA incident log and focus on preventing common incidents
- Prevent exposures to dangerous situations rather than relying on personal protective equipment (PPE)
Electrical Safety
Many on-the-job accidents result from improper use of electrical equipment or damaged electrical wires. Here are some tips for maintaining proper electrical safety:
- Inspect all electrical cords and outlets for cracks, fraying, or other damage
- Ensure that appliances and tools are turned off prior to plugging them into an outlet
- If a cord is damaged, immediately contact building management to repair it
- Do not overload outlets
- Ensure that extension cords are proper for the equipment used
- Do not place extension cords in heavily traveled areas
Fire Safety
To avoid fires and ensure that everyone is prepared for a fire should one occur, you should follow these guidelines:
- Implement a good fire safety plan
- Inform all employees of fire safety procedures by having regular drills (every three months, if possible) and posting signs indicating the nearest fire emergency exit
- Train employees on proper fire extinguisher use
- Test fire alarms regularly to ensure that they are in good working order
Avoiding Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents are the most common cause of workplace injuries. To ensure that all employees are safe, do the following:
- Ensure that all work areas are well-lit
- Use footstools and ladders when retrieving something from a high location
- Tack down loose carpeting
- Ensure that cords are not placed in heavily traveled areas
- Use proper lifting techniques when lifting heavy objects
- Keep walkways free from clutter
- Clean up all spills immediately
- Ensure that ramps and loading docks have non-skid surfaces
- Do not allow employees to run through the building
Other Safety Tips
A few other safety tips, particularly for factories or production companies:
- Require employees to wear proper equipment and footwear
- Ensure that employees wear safety goggles and hard hats when working in dangerous situations that merit such equipment
- Provide earplugs for employees if working in an environment with a high noise level
- Modify tools to reduce vibration and avoid carpal tunnel syndrome
- Provide ergonomically correct chairs, desks, and other office equipment
If You Have Suffered from an On-the-Job Injury
You may be entitled to workers compensation benefits. However, workers compensation laws vary from state-to-state and so you should consult with a workers compensation attorney in your state to determine if it is the best option for you. If you need the assistance of a Virginia, Maryland, or Washington DC workers comp attorney, the attorneys at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson, DePaolis & Lightfoot, L.L.P., are available to explain the intricacies of your state’s workers compensation code and assist you in pursuing your claim. |
