Statistics show that workplace injuries are decreasing which is excellent news for both workers and employers, but there is still a lot of work to be done particularly in hazardous industries. There has been a steady decline in non-fatal injuries both reported by employers and self-reported since 2000 and this can be attributed to a number of reasons.

Reasons for a decrease in injuries

It is thought that workplace injuries are going down because health and safety training has improved drastically in recent times which means that people know how to work safely and reduce the likelihood of injury – this is furthered by an increase in regulations which can make working safer for all. Not only this, but employers tend to provide better working conditions for employees in today’s day and age along with ergonomic equipment which can help to reduce many types of injury.

Common accidents

While there have been impressive improvements made over the years in relation to workplace injuries, there are still certain types of accidents which are common and it is important for employers to be aware of what these are so that steps can be taken to protect staff (and the business).

Unsurprisingly, it is slips, trips and falls which make up the most according to stats from 2018/19 where they made up 29% of non-fatal accidents. After slips, trips and fall, the next most common type of accident in the workplace that leads to a non-fatal injury is handling, lifting or carrying (20%). This is followed by being struck by a moving object (10%), acts of violence (8%) and falls from a height (8%).

It is clear that employers need to do more to protect employees, particularly when it comes to slips, trips and falls. This might involve having signage around the area, keeping walkways clear at all times, cleaning up spills immediately and making sure that the area is always properly lit.

What to do if you have an accident

If you have an accident in the workplace it can be traumatic, stressful and upsetting. It needs to be reported to your employer and you need to seek medical attention as sometimes injuries do not present themselves until later. If the accident was not your fault, you are entitled to seek compensation with personal injury lawyers like Boyes Turner Claims. They can work on your behalf to seek the compensation that you deserve which can provide financial relief in this difficult time.

Accidents are becoming less common in the workplace which is excellent news, but there is still a lot of work to be done and employers must take action to provide a safe work environment for employees. Knowing what the most common types of accident are can help an employer to protect staff and others and allow them to carry out their roles with confidence each day.

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