For 25 years, the National Safety Council (NSC) has led the nation in observance of National Safety Month, an annual campaign focused on reducing injuries and death in the workplace, at home, on the road, and every place in between.
To help do our part during this time, our Louisville workers’ compensation attorneys would like to remind everyone that taking the right steps to increase workplace safety could drastically reduce the risk of workers being injured on the job. Below, we discuss four important steps for workplace safety.
PREVENT MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
Contrary to popular belief, many workplace injuries are not suffered in serious accidents. Poor ergonomics, especially in office settings, are responsible for thousands of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and injuries each year.
These can come in the form of carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, rotator cuff injuries, trigger finger, muscle strains, and lower back injuries. Prevent such injuries by:
- Taking stretch breaks
- Having good posture
- Keeping your computer monitor at least 20 inches away from your face
- Align the top of your computer screen with the top of your head
- Use a chair that is adjustable for height, weight, back angle, and armrest
- Use a hands-free headset for phone calls
BE VISIBLE ON THE ROAD
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), car crashes are one of the leading causes of worker fatalities in the U.S. If part of your job involves driving frequently, it’s important to remember that car accidents typically increase in the summer months due to more traffic, construction projects, and drunk drivers on the road.
Additionally, getting struck by vehicles is a real threat to some employees, such as construction workers or electricians. When working near oncoming traffic, make sure to make yourself seen by wearing high-visibility clothing.
KEEP WORKPLACES CLEAN
Germs and illnesses spread easily, especially in indoor settings. As many employees return to work following the coronavirus pandemic, it’s important that employers and employees take the right steps to keep all workplaces clean and hygienic in order to reduce the risk of spreading illnesses and diseases. Such steps may include:
- Encouraging workers to stay home when they are sick.
- Covering coughs and sneezes with tissues at work.
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Keeping hand sanitizer on your desk or with you.
- Frequently cleaning surfaces that are constantly touched.
All of us at Justice Injury Law hope that these tips help keep workers safe during summer and all year long. If you have any questions about your work injury or need assistance filing a workers’ comp claim, we are here to advocate on your behalf.
Contact our firm at 502-584-5455 to get started on your case today!