Workplace injuries are the leading cause of injuries and fatalities in Canada. In 2016 alone, around 905 workers lost their lives due to work-related injuries. But that’s not it! Another report suggests that with a 9% increase in workplace fatalities, British Columbia made it to the list of provinces with the greatest increase in fatality rates in 2018. Each year, around 40,000 workers sustain injuries due to falls and trips. In worse cases, these injuries can result in traumas and permanent disabilities.
Whether you’re an employer operating an industrial facility or a working individual, knowing about common workplace hazards will help you in taking appropriate measures to minimize their risk. Here are some common injuries that can occur in the workplace.
1. Entanglement with Machinery
Machinery that isn’t properly covered or guarded is a potential safety risk for nearby workers. There’s a high risk that the machine can catch their clothes, pulling them in. Sharp scraps coming out of machines can hit nearby workers puncturing vital organ or causing other severe injuries.
The only way to avoid these incidents at your workplace is by properly covering any machine that produces such sharp objects. In addition to that, encourage your workers to wear protective clothing while working in places with mechanical hazards.
2. Vehicle-Related Injuries
Thanks to the development of forklifts and other load-moving vehicles, moving heavy objects has never been this easier. However, these vehicles also possess a certain degree of risk for nearby workers.
Warehouses and industries use forklifts to lift heavy loads and move them around multiple floors. However, if these loads fall down due to loss of balance, they can severely injure the workers standing underneath.
In addition to load-lifting vehicles, the agriculture industry employs tractors and other heavy machines for sowing and cutting crops. If these vehicles overturn due to some reason, they can crush the driver.
For these reasons, it’s important to educate your workers regarding the handling of such equipment. Your workers can better handle the situation if they’re prepared for it beforehand.
3. Explosions and Fires
Injuries and fatalities due to fires and explosions remain a pressing concern in workplaces. Factors such as faulty pipefitting, leaking gas lines, and poorly-stored combustible materials are the major cause behind workplace fires.
As an employer, it’s your responsibility to ensure your work environment doesn’t have any potential fire risks. Routine fire drills and giving basic first aid training to your employees will help them deal with such issues.
If you’re looking for a place that can offer workplace safety training to your employees in BC, get in touch with Metro Safety. Our training program includes fall protection, confined space awareness, traffic control, and aerial lift operator training.
Contact us for further details regarding our training program!
