The United States Department of Labor estimates that employers pay out almost $ 1 billion per week just in direct costs associated with workers compensation. These costs include workers comp payments, medical expenses, and legal fees, however they do not include the indirect costs associated with workplace accidents and injuries, the sum of which can greatly exceed the direct costs. These indirect costs include productive time lost by the injured employee and other employees charged with attending to him/her, cost of hiring and training a temporary or permanent replacement, cost of replacement of materials or repair of damaged equipment, increased workers' compensation insurance premiums, and reduce morale and increased absenteeism among co-workers. Similarly, if a customer was harmed in the workplace then the overall reputation of the business can suffer. Because of serious nature of workplace accidents and injuries it is a subject worthy of every employer's attention.
Increasing workplace safety and reducing injuries are in the best interests of both employees and their employers. One way to reduce accidental injuries is to examine what types of accidents occur most frequently. In the United States, sprains, strains, and tears are the most commonly reported worker injuries, the most frequent causes of which (by far) are falls and lifting. This has obvious relevance to shops and retail stores where employees regularly need to lift heavy shipments, move merchandise, and climb ladders to stock shelves.
There are many things that can be done to prevent injuries from falls and lifting, chief among them being keeping a tidy work space clear of clutter. Poor housekeeping can sometimes hide hazardous conditions that may lead to accidents or simply create an atmosphere where more serious hazardous conditions are taken for granted. Something as simple as putting away a box or moving unused office materials to a storage room can prevent someone from tripping and seriously injuring themselves in a fall. Areas where heavy lifting takes place need to be clear, particularly if those lifting have their field of vision obscured by the items being lifted. When carrying heavy items even the slightest awkward movement can result in severe musculoskeletal problems ranging from simple sprains to slipped discs to ligament tears which may require weeks of medical leave and, in some cases, surgical correction. Areas where potentially dangerous activities are taking place should be off-limits to customers and uninvolved personnel. For instance, if high shelves are being stocked with heavy materials it would be wise to temporarily block off the immediate area until after the items are placed securely. In addition, these areas should always be well-lit and employees should be educated on proper lifting technique and know when to ask for assistance.
Unfortunately, even when steps are taken to minimize injuries, accidents can still happen. In the event that a customer is hurt at the workplace it is important that they are attended to immediately and that medical professionals are contacted if necessary. Furthermore, the area where the customer was hurt should be secured in order to prevent further accidents until the cause of the accident can be determined and addressed. The injured customer should be interviewed to get his or her account of the accident and any witnesses should be interviewed using open-ended questions so that their responses are given freely and not guided. If possible, take pictures of the accident scene for both insurance purposes and so that problems can be identified for future correction.
By following these simple recommendations one can create a safer work atmosphere that not only benefits those working, but also customers.
Gerard Malouf is a leading Injury Compensation Lawyer with over 26 years experience in Workers Compensation Claims
Orignal From: Keeping Your Workplace Free From Accidents & Injuries - Shops & Retail
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