According to the study data released by the Canadian Community Health Survey, 20% of all workplace injuries involve cuts, lacerations and soft tissue damage.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) identifies the key markers for workplace accidents and injuries.
The organization points towards the lack of workplace safety procedures and protocols as the main culprit for mishandling machinery and risky injury.
With workers rushing to complete tasks and others not skilled at operating tools and machinery, let’s take a look at the top tips to prevent workplace cuts and lacerations.
Wear Protective Gear
There’s a variety of protective gear available for workplace safety. From using industrial gloves while cutting wood to using goggles to protect the eyes from debris, dust and metal plasma.
The CCOHS lists down a number of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) needed by workers from diverse industries. Workers from construction, laboratory, and plumbing industries need an assortment of respiratory masks, headgear, safety footwear, chemical protective clothing, body belts, harnesses, and lanyards.
Use The Correct Tools
The multitude of tools and machinery are designed to perform each construction, cutting and bolting task efficiently and quickly.
Workers must use appropriate screwdrivers and not, for instance, knives as make-shift tools to when screwing bolts in beam walls. Doing so will increase the risks of injury, sharp cuts and scratches.
Use Proper Guards For Tools
Handling heavy machinery is not an easy task. Workers need to be trained to operate it properly using protective gear.
Similarly, sharp tools and objects need to be placed in protective cases when not in use. Use a lanyard belt toolkit to safely stores knives, nails, and portable saws.
Keep The Work Area Clean
Clean up after yourself and keep your workstation mess free. The more drops spill and clutter your desk has, the more likely are you at nicking your finger into a sharp object.
Keep your work area clear of all nails, wooden planks, cords, wires, and glue. Take the necessary steps to ensure your fellow worker’s safety.
Use Tagout Or Lockout Procedures
While you’re busy repairing machinery or cleaning equipment, firstly cut off the power source and proceed. Unplug the cords and wear protective gloves, boots, and headgear to avoid accidental start-ups.
Train Employees
The best way to prevent workplace accidents is to train workers on the art of workplace safety. Besides giving them a verbal lecture on safety rules to follow, teach them how to handle work accidents.
Sign up for workplace safety training in British Colombia and give emergency first aid training to your employees and workers.
We offer comprehensive workplace safety courses along with first aid training at Metro Safety.
Not only will these skills help you be more cautious while working, but they’ll also give you the tools to take control of workplace accidents and handle situations without panicking.
Contact us at 604-521-4227 and schedule safety training and first aid courses with our team of expert trainers!
