Think businesses that have primarily office workers don’t have to worry about workplace safety? Think again! This list of workplace injuries demonstrates that accidents happen in all kinds of U.S. companies. Notice that a number of them apply to workers who spend much of their time behind a desk — not at a construction site or in a manufacturing facility.
As a business grows, so does its risk of costly accidents. Nationwide, occupational injuries cost companies nearly $170 billion each year. Injuries can hurt and even cripple a growing company. That’s why preventing them should be a priority for even the smallest of companies. Plus, providing your employees with a safe working environment is the right thing to do.
Where to start? At the office, slips, trips, and falls are the most common hazards. Look around for uneven surfaces, torn carpet or anything else that could cause someone to trip and fall. Clean up any spills immediately and address any surfaces that become slippery, especially during the winter months. Consider having an ergonomics expert make sure your workstations are designed so that they meet basic rules for preventing repetitive injuries.
If your employees drive for business, make sure you have a safe-driving policy and consider banning cell phone use by employees who drive on the job. Another important thing you can do? Create a culture where employees know they can take breaks to stretch and rest their muscles and their eyes.