You need to be aware of these four common hazards for tradies
Irrespective of how much effort you put in creating awareness, tradies are still exposed to an inordinately high level of risk of injury. According to research, 60% account for severe injuries claims reported in Australia associated with tradies. The tradies might also be putting on protective equipment such as arc flash equipment flame resistant clothing, among others, but in most cases, much can be done to offer a better and safer working environment. Among the main causes of injury are discussed below.
1) Strains from handling objects
The main factor affecting each trade is injuries inflicted by working with heavy equipment ranging from electricians to people working on a construction site. One out of three workers is likely to suffer from severe workplace injuries related to muscular stress accompanied by back (both lower and upper) covering approximately half of these injuries. Management of heavy equipment is an essential aspect of most of these jobs, so it’s crucial to have a strong understanding of operating this type of machine. Workers should be educated well regarding protective attire such as flame resistant clothing and safety procedures to ensure maximum protection when operating heavy machinery. This will reduce incidents of accidents and injuries.
2) Falls, trips and slips
Slips or trips and falls are often attributed to slippery surfaces, poor lighting conditions or uneven floor space, among other things. The likelihood of falling is higher if the work area has no railing or guardrail. Properly designed scaffolding may prevent workers from slipping off if steps are placed at appropriate heights above the ground. To prevent an employee from tripping or falling, businesses need to develop a plan outlining strategies to safeguard against such risks. These include installing handrails along staircases and walking ways, using non-slip footwear, wearing fland providing adequate lighting, and installing fall protection systems. If an employee does slip or trip, workplaces must provide suitable assistance to them right away.
3) Fractures and wounds
Fractures and cuts are very common injuries sustained by employees during the course of their work. Some of the most common types of fractures include compression, closed, distal radius, proximal humerus, tibia, and metatarsal. Such injuries occur due to a fall from a height greater than 4m, a vehicle accident or lifting too many boxes while carrying them. When there is any injury involving laceration or open wound, workers should refrain from doing the task again and seek medical attention immediately to avoid further complications. Prevention strategies include wearing safety boots and clothing such as flame rthat protect against heat burn, sharp edges, and good overall maintenance of tools and machinery. Employers should institute policies to minimize the chances of injury to employees within the workplace.
4) Disease
Injuries that involve direct contact with infectious agents may result in the transmission of diseases. Infectious diseases like tuberculosis, hepatitis B, human immunodeficiency virus infection and influenza, among many others, can be contracted through injured skin or mucous membranes or by inhaling microorganisms present in particles of dust or aerosols. The risk of contracting infections is often significantly increased due to the presence of hazardous chemicals where the worker may come in contact.
Protecting tradies from harm is important so employers can offer quality services to customers and retain them. It helps in improving productivity levels and keeping business running smoothly. By implementing basic preventive measures and taking necessary precautions, an employer can easily control health issues that affect his workforce. Contact expect professionals at NECA, we solution-based protection towards people through a consultative approach. We have worked extensively on providing industrial insurance services to small to large companies, and we will make sure you’re protected.
