Risk assessment

The first step in injury prevention is to identify potential risks and hazards in the workplace. A comprehensive risk assessment should be conducted regularly to identify the root causes of injuries and develop strategies to mitigate them. Risk assessments should be conducted by trained personnel and should involve employees at all levels. Variables that should be considered whilst completing risk assessments include: 

  • Total time spent on specific tasks

  • Duration of continual performance (with/without interruption)

  • Amount of force and speed required to complete the task

  • Time spent in postures of varying awkwardness

  • Mechanical vibration

Common tools like the Manual Task Risk Assessment (or ManTRA) provide an effective, reproducible method of assessing and monitoring risk over time.

Training

Employee training is an essential component of injury prevention strategies. Employees should be trained to recognise potential hazards and to use equipment/machinery properly. Training should be provided on an ongoing basis to ensure that employees are up-to-date on the latest safety procedures.

A few examples of training programs that can be incorporated into a workplace injury prevention strategy include:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is an important component of workplace injury prevention strategies. Employers should provide appropriate PPE to employees based on the specific hazards present in the workplace. PPE should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure that it’s in good condition.

 

Work Ergonomics

Ergonomic design is essential to prevent musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace. Employers should ensure that workstations are designed to minimise physical strain on employees. This includes the proper placement of equipment, tools, and materials. A 2019 study found that ergonomic interventions, such as the use of adjustable workstations and proper posture training, were effective in reducing musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace.

 

Workplace Wellness

Workplace wellness programs are designed to promote healthy behaviours among employees and prevent chronic diseases. These programs typically involve initiatives such as healthy eating, physical activity, and stress reduction. The goal is to create a healthy and supportive work environment that promotes employee well-being, and studies have found that workplace wellness programs were effective in reducing the incidence of occupational injuries.

Incident Investigation

Incident investigation is an important component of workplace injury prevention strategies. Whenever an accident occurs, a thorough investigation should be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident. The goal is to identify any underlying safety issues and develop strategies to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. 

 

Safety Audits

Safety audits involve reviewing safety policies, procedures, and practices to identify any gaps or deficiencies. Safety audits should be conducted by trained personnel, and should involve employees at all levels. The goal is to identify potential safety issues and develop strategies to address them.

Organisations can implement a variety of strategies to prevent workplace injuries. By investing in these strategies and fostering a culture of safety, organisations can create work environments where employees are protected, engaged, and able to perform at their best, ultimately leading to increased overall success and satisfaction for both employees and the organisation as a whole.

If you think your workplace could benefit from any of the injury prevention strategies discussed in this post, we’d love to discuss them further with you! You can learn more about how Employ Health can assist by contacting us here.