How employees can help prevent workplace accidents

Work is a major and regular part of most of our lives. You are likely to spend a few days a week at your job, so you could at some point have an accident in the workplace. In fact, every seven seconds an employee suffers a workplace injury! 

So we at National Accident Helpline have written a brief guide here to help you prevent accidents in the workplace. 

You are given the training to do your job so be sure to follow it. If your job comes with risks in the workplace you must follow your training at all times. Training is just as vital as safety policies and possibly even more essential. 

Another point to note is not to think it is impressive to carry out a task you have not had the required training for. Training is given for a reason!

It makes sense that if you follow instructions, you are less likely to have an accident in the workplace. This includes following safety rules. 

Instructions and safety rules are in place for everyone, including your managers and supervisors. Even if you have been in your job for a long time and feel like you can do it with your eyes closed, still follow instructions when you complete your tasks. 

If you are unsure what the instructions and rules are then ask. Rules will often be put on walls and are easy to access. And if you see someone not following instructions or safety rules you should point it out. 

To help prevent workplace accidents, ensure you wear the right clothing for your job. This can be as easy as following your workplace dress code. Wearing the right clothing at work is probably the easiest way to help prevent a workplace injury from occurring. Consider, for example:

• avoiding jewellery
• not wearing loose clothing if working with machinery
• avoiding clothes which could result in a fall or trip
• wearing clothing which resists chemicals if you work with them

Wearing the right clothing at work to prevent a workplace accident can mean wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). You must wear PPE if you work with dangerous equipment or hazardous materials. Exposure to chemicals, for example, is a common workplace injury. PPE equipment can typically include:

• gloves
• masks
• googles
• back braces
• respirators

If you work with equipment and tools, make sure you use the correct ones. Whilst this may sound obvious, it is crucial to help prevent workplace injuries. There are some basic safety tips you can think about if you use tools and equipment such as:

• read instructions for the tools and equipment
• ensure tools are in good condition
• if tools or equipment  break, don't try to mend them yourself
• ask if you don't have the tools you require

When accidents in the workplace do occur, it is often because employees feel sleepy. It is, therefore, important that you stay alert at work to prevent workplace accidents. Workplace accidents as a result of fatigue can be devastating. Staying alert means you can complete your workplace tasks adequately. It can also mean you perform better than you would have so helps you to do well in your job.

We are all too familiar with workplace pressure which can include the pressure to complete a task quickly. However, deadline or no deadline, you must ensure that you do not rush to a point where you do not take care of yourself.  Also, do not be tempted to take shortcuts at work as this can result in workplace injuries too.

It is vital that when you work you are aware of the emergency procedures for your workplace. This can include basics such as knowing where emergency exits are. It also includes taking practice emergency drills seriously so that you can act appropriately when it is the real thing to help prevent a workplace accident. 

Your workplace should have in place emergency procedures to deal with any accidents in the workplace such as a workplace fire or chemical spill so ensure you ask if you are not sure of these.

Don't be afraid to ask for help in your job. Your managers and supervisors are there to help you so if you have any safety queries or concerns, talk to them. Also, if you are worried a task will expose you to the risk of an accident in the workplace, make this clear to your supervisor. 

A really basic but important part of preventing workplace accidents is to ensure that at work, you take breaks. Taking a break helps to keep your mind and body alert which in turn will reduce the risk of a workplace accident. You may find you feel tired or stressed and this is a sign you need to take a quick break.

If you are unfortunate enough to suffer an accident at work and have a workplace injury, let your manager or supervisors know immediately, regardless of whether or not you think it is serious. You could be required to fill in an accident report form and you may need medical attention at work or the hospital.

If you see another employee experience a workplace accident or suffer a workplace injury you should check on them but at the same time ensure you keep yourself safe. Again, alert supervises immediately.

^{Last updated 24.02.23}