Occupational illnesses and workplace injuries can cost a business thousands, if not millions, of dollars per year in benefits costs. For an employer, this means that it is highly important to implement strong preventative measures that will eliminate the likelihood of these illnesses and injuries developing. Workers, then, should be mindful of what measures their employers are taking in order to protect them. Then if a worker develops an illness or sustains an injury due to occupational work, he will be better prepared to handle the illness or injury and will be able to identify whether the employer is truly at fault. Here are some of the most common measures that employers take in order to reduce workplace illness and injury.
Extensive training
Extensive training is typically involved as a part of the hiring process, and a proper, comprehensive training will not only teach workers about how to carry out job-related tasks but also educate them on highly important safety precautions to follow. Employers will often also provide additional training throughout employment in order to keep workers up-to-date with the latest safety measures.
Hiring
Some occupations have physical requirements, such as an ability to lift a certain amount of weight, attached to them. An employer will include these physical requirements in a job description and hire accordingly to ensure that those in the workplace are prepared to handle the responsibilities that fall on their shoulders.
Protective gear
Some occupations such as construction work, engineering, and meat processing revolve around the use of personal protective gear in order to prevent injuries in employees. Protective gear is often required by law in certain industries, and even when it isn’t, it’s in a company’s best interest to provide it for employees as needed. Protective gear can prevent a fallen object from striking the head directly, protect workers from hazards like open flames, eliminate exposure to dangerous chemicals, and keep workers safe as they navigate around heavy equipment.
Workplace standards
It’s also important for employers to arm the workplace itself with the standards necessary to provide a safe work environment. An employer will, for example, define standards on how various items will be stored, install an efficient air ventilation system, and work to keep walking areas clear of spills of debris at all times.
Enforcement
A company could have all sorts of precautions such as training, protective gear, and workplace standards in place, but these will not mean anything unless they are properly enforced. A diligent employer will ensure that protective laws are being observed, inspect the work environment, and discuss safety with workers on a regular basis.
These are only some of the preventative measures that an employer will take in order to ensure that the workplace remains a safe environment for work. If you have developed an illness or incurred injury on the job and feel that your employer may be at fault, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.