Because jobs have now moved toward more business than outdoor exploration, it’s understandable that there would be a noticeable shift in causes of workplace injuries. Instead of heavy losses based on mine collapses or building structure failings, it now seems that workplace accidents are far more related to the average worker desperately trying to keep up financially with the current economy, one that hasn’t seen a raise concurrent to continually rising product costs in a long time.
Overexertion
In 2014 alone, overexertion was the cause of over a quarter of all workplace incidents, accounting for $15 billion in costs. While this can be understood as working too much, it is actually a term that encompasses virtually every physical activity that can be performed, including climbing, bending, lifting, holding and even sitting. Whichever activity caused the most, this entire group taking up the top position is still a testament to how hard people are being forced to work nowadays, even in regards to sitting all day at a computer.
Luckily, circumventing this is much easier than almost any other accident. Employers simply need to introduce more safety measures regarding paid break times. Part of their responsibility is keeping the staff happy and healthy, not exhausted and overworked day in and day out.
Falls on the Same Level
Falls have always been one of the top 10 incidences in regards to worker safety. After all, gravity doesn’t exactly fluctuate. It is always present, ready to pull us toward the earth should a slip happen. Interestingly enough, this high ranking does not have to do with worker clumsiness so much as ice and snow. In fact, fall rates increased during the winter because of the slippery ground. If you’ve ever walked on either, you know how perilous ice hidden underneath snow can be.
Employers facing this problem would do well to employ machines that can clear pathways of the ice and not just through salting alone. Better footwear can also be invested in, namely shoes with spikes on the bottom for added traction. As for the southern employers, clear signs around slippery areas are a must.
Struck by Object or Equipment
In the third spot sits a mishap that can happen to anyone at any time. Though it may seem like it’s related to gravity, being struck by an object is actually the most deadly for those in roadwork construction. Devices such as the Load arrester / retractable lifeline are used as a backup to heavy loads that are suspended, it is imperative to use these devices to ensure employee safety.
Another risk is death related to roadwork. Pedestrian workers are frequently being struck and killed by a car. It’s a sad fact but as it turns out, humans are still a major threat to other humans. Apart from coming up with impassable barriers during roadwork, the actual answer lies with regular drivers. Always follow the speed limit in a construction zone and always be aware of your surroundings. With defensive driving, you can help keep our construction workers safe while they work to make our roads better.