Reducing workplace injuries through smart equipment choices

Workplace injuries can happen in any environment. The cost of workers being injured in workplaces costs the UK economy billions each year in absences, sick pay and impact on the business.

More dangerous occupations, such as scaffolders, oil rig workers or farmers, may be more at risk due to their occupation, but workplace accidents can happen in offices too. One way to mitigate the risk of injury is to be intentional and careful when choosing equipment for your staff.

Choosing equipment that focuses on safety

There are certain considerations which should be made regardless of the project. A thorough health and safety assessment should be carried out to identify any potential hazards. Where adequate measures cannot be put into place to eliminate risks, safety equipment should be used.

When working at heights, for example, harnesses should be used. Whilst harnesses can be shared, it is safer to have one designated to each person. This reduces the risk of the system being ill-fitting or the spread of bacteria.

PPE: Beyond the basics

Head protection should always be a priority. Ensuring that your staff are fully equipped with hard hats is an important job. Hard hats have a robust outer shell which is designed to absorb the force of a blow to the head. Without one, the results can be catastrophic and potentially fatal.

Respiratory masks can be used in several different industries, including manufacturing, healthcare and the emergency services. Investing in higher-quality items means that pollutants are less likely to make their way through, keeping your staff’s air quality as good as it can be.

Safety footwear: Small investment, big impact

Safety footwear comes in all shapes and sizes, and with different features. People who work in environments where there is a chance of rain or other liquids will benefit from shoes designed with waterproofing in mind.

A lot of safety footwear is designed to protect feet from impact as well. Steel toecaps are common for this, but there are some which are more rigid overall in design. Ankle support is another feature which should be considered, especially for those on their feet a lot.

Training and usage

Whenever you implement a new piece of equipment or have anyone new join your team, it is imperative that they are trained on the correct usage of any equipment they may encounter. Permanent staff should also have regular refresher training to ensure high standards of operation are upheld.

Failure to use equipment properly can lead to accidents and even death. Not only is this devastating to the humans involved, but it can be a massive blow to the company. The financial implications can be huge as there may be legal action and penalties involved, but there is also a dent to the reputation of the business to consider. A company viewed as unsafe may struggle to get future business, impacting profits and longevity.