Occupational Health: Preventing Workplace Injuries

Occupational health is a vital cornerstone of any thriving workforce, ensuring that employees are not only safe but also supported in their overall well-being. NMPC convenes to discuss these critical issues, we recognize the importance of fostering a work environment where health and safety are prioritized, paving the way for greater productivity and a healthier future for all. 

The best way to avoid these costs is by avoiding an injury. Follow these 10 tips to prevent an injury and protect your workforce. 

1. Incorporate a safety and wellness plan. The foundation for a safe work environment is an effective accident prevention and wellness program. The program needs to cover all levels of employee safety and health with the encouragement to report hazardous practices or behavior. 
2. Conduct pre-placement physicals.  Screening applicants is a safeguard for placement with the appropriate positions matching their physical capabilities.  
3. Educate employees and management staff. Continually cultivate a safety standard among employees and management staff. Train employees about the importance of following safety measures as often as possible.  
4. Research safety vulnerabilities. Every business is unique and doesn’t necessarily have the same safety concerns. Pay extra attention to common accidents and develop strategies to keep these setbacks from happening.  
5. Provide protection equipment. Personal protection equipment is essential and should be enforced at hiring, meetings, and with spontaneous monitoring. and earplugs or earmuffs.  
6. Have adequate staffing levels.  Overworked employees may suffer from exhaustion and cut corners to meet or exceed output. Hiring part-time or seasonal staff could help prevent accidents due to exhaustion. 
7. Don’t take shortcuts. Accidents happen when employees skip steps to complete a job ahead of schedule. Make sure all instructions are clear and organized to prevent undue mishaps in the workplace. 
8. Inspect and maintain all company vehicles. According to The Occupational Safety and Health Act findings, workplace-driving accidents cost employers an average of $60 billion dollars a year. Maintenance should include monthly inspections and repairing vehicles as soon as possible. 
9. Monitor safety measures. After initial training, reinforce safety measures at every opportunity, i.e. staff meetings, supervision, and education.  
10. Keep an orderly workplace. Poor housekeeping can cause serious health and safety hazards. The layout of the workplace should have adequate foot path markings, be free of debris, and stations for cleaning up spills.