Preventing common accidents in a business

If you work at a construction company or another business where you regularly deal with hazards, you likely have people on staff devoted to preventing accidents. However, if your business is a small retail store or office, you may not think too much about accidents that could happen. Here are a few tips on how to prevent the most common workplace accidents.

Slips and falls
  • Watch for worn edges of carpets and ask your employer to repair any carpet edges that could cause someone to trip.
  • Ensure that all walkways leading to your office are shovelled and salted immediately after snow falls.
  • Keep all hallways clear of boxes and other items.
Electrical incidents
  • Don’t plug in kettles or other small appliances at your desk.
  • If you have a number of items to plug in at your desk, make sure your employer has invested in an Uninterruptible Power Supply to protect your computer and keep the flow of power from spiking.
  • If renovations are being done immediately around you that involve electrical systems, ask your employer for time off until they are complete, or to be moved to a safer work area.
Manual handling and lifting
  • Don’t remove items from a high shelf without assistance from a co-worker. Use a stepladder; don’t stand on furniture to reach them.
  • If your job requires you to lift items from shelves daily, ensure that a safe system is in place to get at hard-to-reach items.
  • Make sure your employer is providing the tools you need to lift heavy objects and operate them safely, such as forklifts and forklift training.
  • Remember that you have the right to refuse to do a task if you do not think you are physically capable of handling it, or if the situation is potentially dangerous.