While some types of work have more inherent risks than others, work-related injuries are almost always preventable. There are many steps employers can take to keep their teams safe, but this calls for a comprehensive and ongoing approach. Here are a few tips to get you started.

A Guide to Work-Related Injury Prevention

1. Create a Workplace Safety Plan

No matter its size or scope, every organization should have a workplace safety plan. This formal, written document should outline the policies and practices for safeguarding employees’ health and wellness. It should encompass practices for reporting workplace or behavioral hazards, as well as the roles of supervisors and management staff in safety-related matters. 

2. Conduct Pre-Employment Physicals

Ensuring employees are healthy enough to perform their roles can be an effective way to prevent work-related injuries. For instance, an experienced doctor could determine whether a candidate is healthy enough to perform manual labor for hours each day, whether they’re capable of lifting heavy objects safely, and whether they have any visual or auditory challenges that could present safety risks in a busy workplace. 

3. Train and Educate

All employees should be trained on the protocols identified in your workplace safety plan. Training should be performed as part of onboarding, but also at routine intervals to keep concepts fresh in employees’ minds. Be sure employees are familiar with specific safety topics, such as using different types of equipment properly, as well as general workplace safety, such as maintaining a neat workplace. 

4. Provide Protective Gear

Under safety regulations, employees in certain occupations are required to wear different types of protective gear. For example, your team may need vests for visibility purposes, or equipment such as gloves, safety goggles, and hard hats. The proper gear will depend on the nature of the work, so check applicable safety regulations if you’re unsure what to provide.

5. Perform Routine Safety Assessments

It’s not enough to simply put these measures in place; you must also make sure they’re working to keep your employees safe and preventing work-related injuries. Perform routine checks to make sure staff is complying with safety protocols, and designate an interval for comprehensive safety evaluations. During these checks, look for vulnerabilities like improper storage of equipment or worn-out safety gear.

For the prevention and treatment of work-related injuries, turn to Affinity Industrial Medicine. This industrial and occupational medical clinic offers a wide range of services, including pre-employment medical screenings, prompt and effective treatment for injuries sustained on the job, and drug testing, among others. See their full list of services online or discuss your company’s needs by calling (318) 812-7559.