TBT: COMMON SENSE & COMMON WORKPLACE INJURIES

Common Workplace Injuries

Injuries in the workplace nationwide number approximately three million every year 1. This amounts to
roughly 8,000 injuries per day, 350 per hour, or six injuries per minute. Workplace injuries cause pain,
wage loss, inconvenience, and time off from work. Employers lose valuable workers, productivity, and
an estimated $50 billion dollars as a result2. Some of the most frequent injuries are back injuries, falls,
and struck by accidents.

Back injuries are the most frequent type on the job. Others are hitting or striking objects and machine-
related incidents. Learning how these types of injuries occur can help protect you so that you do not
become a statistic.

Back injuries can occur due to overexertion and improper posture. Every time you lift an item, bend
over, or lean forward, you are putting stress on your back. Over time, this can lead to fatigue and
injury. Follow these tips to prevent back injuries:

 Use proper lifting techniques by pulling the load close to you, lifting with your leg muscles, and
keeping your back straight.
 Use lifting devices, carts, and team lifts whenever possible.
 Watch your posture! Keep your back straight whether you are working standing up or sitting
down. Avoid twisting your back during work tasks.
 Organize work and storage spaces to eliminate lifts from the ground or overhead.
 Sit all the way back into your chair so the seatback supports your spine. Don’t “perch” on the
edge of your chair, slouch, or lean forward.
 Maintain your overall health and fitness. Strong abdominals and back muscles support your
spine and posture.
 Warm up your muscles before you begin work each day with light stretching or movements.
Falls can occur on level surfaces (usually slips and trips) or from a height. Prevent these injuries with
the following safety practices:

 Wear proper footwear: slip resistant soles for slippery flooring, boots with heels for climbing,
boots with ankle support for uneven surfaces, etc.
 Keep floors swept and clean of debris and liquids that can cause slips.
 Maintain flooring by anchoring floor mats, smoothing uneven surfaces, and clearing clutter to
prevent trips.
 Proper lighting in the workplace helps you see where you are walking.
 Use handrails on stairs.
 Walk slowly and deliberately at work; rushing can lead to accidents.
 Don’t jump off equipment or vehicles.
 Use proper ladder and scaffold setup and work practices.
 Use fall restraint systems or wear fall protection equipment when required.
Hitting against or being struck by objects in the workplace can cause serious trauma. These injuries
can result from vehicle collisions, falling objects, dropped tools, unstable loads, flying debris from
power tools and compressed air use. Precautions include:

 Stack, move and, use materials in storage areas in a stable and secure manner.
 Designate safe walking paths around the job site and facility.
 Watch for moving equipment and vehicles at all times.
 Tether or use toe boards to secure tools and materials used overhead.
 Stack, secure, and rig material loads properly and stay clear of them when they are in motion.
 Wear visibility clothing and keep the jobsite well lit.
 Wear a hardhat, safety boots, protective eyewear, and other gear to protect from flying,
falling, and dropped objects.
Machine related incidents include caught and crush injuries resulting from moving machinery. These
injuries are preventable if workers follow these steps:

 Inspect machinery frequently and keep it well maintained.

December 8, 2024
  Always keep safety interlock devices, shields, and guards in place.
 Use lockout/tagout to prevent injuries while accessing moving parts for maintenance or repair.
 Tie up loose hair, wear fitted clothing, and remove jewelry around moving equipment.
 Never put yourself between or under moving pieces of equipment without proper block out
procedures.
 Use proper shoring procedures for excavation work to prevent cave-ins.
Do not become a common injury statistic. With good training and hazard recognition, you can ensure
your safety on the job.

Common Sense Safety

There are a number of safety problems common to most workplaces and job sites that can be solved
with a little common sense. Planning and thinking ahead can help eliminate most of these hazards.
Take a close look at your workplace with these suggestions in mind.

Eliminate junk piles. Organize a cleanup program to remove trash, broken parts, and scrap from work
areas, walkways, storerooms, and neglected corners. Look for materials that have been stacked
improperly. An unstable stack is a real danger to anyone who may be near if the material suddenly
falls. Check such things as wood pallets, dock freight, storeroom boxes, construction materials and
even office files to see that materials are stacked properly.

Examine all the operations of your workplace to determine if personal protective clothing is needed,
then make it readily available. Ear protection, eye protection, hard hats, gloves, safety shoes or other
protective clothing and equipment must be worn according to the hazard exposure.

Make sure all electric power tools are grounded. Protect yourself from electric shock by using tools
with three-prong plugs, a ground-fault system or double insulation. Never cut off the ground plug on a
three-prong plug. Check electrical cords and wires for any damage. Guard power tools and moving
machine parts. Tools and equipment should never be operated with the guards or shields removed.

Inspect portable ladders to make sure they are secure and don’t shake or wiggle. Nonslip feet are a
must. If a ladder seems weak, get rid of it – don’t let others use a defective ladder. Mark it defective
and throw it away.

Fire extinguishers are a must and should be mounted properly, readily accessible, and in working
order. Check fire regulations to make sure they are properly placed and the right type for your work
area. When was the last time your fire extinguishers were tested? Extinguisher inspections should be
made regularly then tagged to show when and who performed the tests.

Exits should be clearly marked with easy-to-read signs place above the doors. Signs with arrows should
also be used to guide people to the exit if the layout of the workplace is confusing to those unfamiliar
with your facility. Illuminated signs should be kept in working order at all times. Don’t block exits or
signs with vehicles or material. Another good idea is to mark doors that are not exits with “This is Not
An Exit,” “Restroom,” “Storeroom” or “Closet.” Put rails on all stairways. The stairs themselves should
be in good shape with nonskid treads. Repair those that are damaged or chipped.

Safety meetings are one of the most important parts of a good safety program, so hold them regularly.
Impress upon every worker that it’s important that they take every precaution to keep the workplace
safe. Both employee and employer attitudes toward safety provide a key to a successful safety
program. Posters, handouts, and training programs can all be part of your safety communication.

December 8, 2024