Overexertion and tiredness 

Overexertion and tiredness are two of the leading causes of workplace accidents. Overexertion can occur when an employee lifts or carries too much weight, or when they perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time. Tiredness can lead to accidents when employees are unable to focus and make sound decisions. 

There are several ways to prevent overexertion and tiredness-related accidents. Employers should provide employees with adequate training on proper lifting and carrying techniques, and they should also provide employees with regular breaks. Employees should also be encouraged to report any fatigue to their supervisor. 

Slips, trips and falls 

Slips, trips and falls are another common cause of workplace accidents. These accidents can occur on a variety of surfaces, including wet floors, uneven surfaces, and cluttered walkways. 

Employers can prevent slips, trips and falls by keeping floors and walkways clean and dry, and by removing any clutter from the workplace. They should also provide employees with appropriate footwear, and they should train employees on how to walk safely in the workplace. 

Distractions 

Distractions can also lead to workplace accidents. Distractions can be caused by a variety of things, such as cell phones, loud noises, and other people. 

Employers can help to prevent distraction-related accidents by implementing policies that prohibit cell phone use while working and by creating a quiet and focused work environment. Employees should also be aware of their surroundings and be mindful of potential distractions. 

Untidy work environments 

Untidy work environments can also lead to workplace accidents. Cluttered walkways, tripping hazards, and unsafe storage practices can all contribute to accidents. 

Employers can help to prevent accidents caused by messy work environments by implementing housekeeping procedures and by training employees on how to keep their work areas safe. Employees should also be encouraged to report any unsafe conditions to their supervisor. 

Cutting corners 

Sometimes, employees cut corners to save time or get ahead. This can lead to workplace accidents. For example, an employee may choose to lift a heavy object without using proper lifting techniques, or they may choose to work without their safety gear. 

Employers can help to prevent accidents caused by cutting corners by creating a culture of safety and by emphasising the importance of following safety procedures. Employees should also be encouraged to report any unsafe practices to their supervisor. 

Prevent workplace accidents 

There are several things which employers and employees can do to prevent workplace accidents. Some of the most important things include: 

• Provide training on safety procedures. All employees should be trained on the safety procedures that are relevant to their job. This training should be conducted on a regular basis, and it should be updated whenever new procedures are implemented. 
• Create a culture of safety. Employers should create a culture of safety in the workplace by emphasising the importance of safety and by providing employees with the resources they need to stay safe. Employees should also be encouraged to report any unsafe conditions or practices to their supervisor. 

• Maintain a safe work environment. Employers should maintain a safe work environment by keeping floors and walkways clean and dry, removing clutter, and storing materials safely. They should also provide employees with the appropriate safety gear. 
• Encourage employees to follow safety procedures. Employees should be encouraged to always follow safety procedures. This includes using proper lifting techniques, wearing safety gear, and avoiding distractions. 

Additional tips for preventing workplace accidents 

• Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to your surroundings and be mindful of potential hazards. This includes being aware of other people, equipment, and environmental conditions. 
• Take breaks. It is important to take breaks throughout the day, especially if you are performing repetitive tasks. This will help to prevent fatigue and accidents. 
• Report unsafe conditions and practices. If you see an unsafe condition or practice, report it to your supervisor immediately. This will help to prevent accidents from happening. 

By following these tips, you can help to create a safer workplace for yourself and your colleagues. 

The iProtectU health and safety software provides: 

• An inspection and Audit App which allows for safety inspection of the workplace and associated report 
• eLearning on a wide range of EHS topics 
• Scheduling functionality for managers to send eLearning, risk assessments and documents out to all staff via the software with tracks completion and compliance 
• Risk assessment templates covering various workplace hazards 
• Management system to document control the policy on incident management 

• Method Statement module for the creation of working instructions 
• Legal register that provides legislation guidance on controlling hazards 
• Incident investigation module that tracks incidents involving common causes, both with an app and via desktop 
• Hazard observation app where staff can report and record any concerns to the organisation 
• Asset management App ensuring assets are recorded in the software