For all employers, maintaining the health and well-being of the hired workforce is a significant concern. They want to ensure that all the employees feel safe and secure when they are at the workplace. It is for this reason that all the newly built office complexes are designed as per safety standards. However, certain work-related hazards usually occur in diverse workplaces, no matter small or big. For instance, an employee may slip on the wet floor in the office and has his hand bone broken.
A slip can cause him related injuries and health issues. For employers, knowing about the possible work-related hazards is the first step toward minimizing the count of injuries. It is then followed by the next step of correcting the causes of possible dangers and buying a workmen compensation or WC insurance policy to be on the safe side.
Four common office work-related hazards for employers to address :
Accidental Slips and Falls
One of the most common workplace injuries results from accidental falls or foot slips on the floor. Water spills, wet floors, uneven floor surfaces or excessive clutter can cause accidental slips. Similarly, slips and falls can happen in the outdoor areas surrounding the workplace because of rain.
The simplest way to avoid these workplace accidents is to ensure prompt cleaning of wet floors and spills. Similarly, other hazard-prevention steps include decluttering of the office walkways to prevent obstruction to the passage, keeping electronic chords arranged and changing rugs or carpets when torn.
Ergonomic Injuries
Employees often face ergonomic strains. They spend long working hours seated next to their workstations in the wrong postures. Often, these strains are hard to notice until they start to cause severe health problems.
Employers can prevent these injuries by providing adjustable chairs and desks to the employees in the office. Similarly, you can even accommodate a more flexible work style by assigning personal laptops to the employees. Furthermore, it is important to arrange training sessions for the hired workforce regarding ergonomics. Organizations can also impart training on ways to stay safe from ergonomic hazards.
Moreover, pay attention to the pain, fatigue, or weakness of employees caused largely due to the office furniture and seating arrangement.
Eye Defects
Spending a long period of daily work hours in front of a computer generally causes eye strain. An individual’s ability to focus on near and far objects gets affected in the long run. Besides, employees may also encounter other problems such as dry eyes, and irritation in the eyes, to name a few.
In your office, one of the best ways to prevent eye defects in your employees is to ensure suitable light levels and intensity. Ensure enough lighting in the office to avoid your employees from facing eye strains. Put up good lighting fixtures, particularly in the areas where manual work is done.
Similarly, it would help if you cut down on excess glare from windows in your office using blinds. Computer users should keep the monitors slightly below eye level and with optimum intensity to alleviate eye problems.
Fire Hazards
Fire accidents in office buildings are one of the main risks to businesses as per the Indian Risk Survey Report. It can cause significant losses to businesses. Often fire accidents result because of an electric short circuit, bursting of gas cylinders, and chemical leaks, to name a few.
Complying with the commercial safety norms can help prevent this type of office hazard. Moreover, keeping the office buildings equipped with adequate fire extinguishing systems is imperative. Plus, your office should be in a building that has a well-designed emergency exit. You should also train your employees to use portable fire extinguishers whenever a fire accident occurs.
Stay Safe as an Employer with Workmen Compensation Insurance
As an employer, it is your responsibility to make your office safe for the hired employees. Work-related hazards may not happen with prior indication. You will be legally responsible for paying the compensation, which can be huge in some cases.
Hence, it is crucial for you to buy a WC insurance policy to avoid lawsuits arising from workplace accidents. As per the policy terms, the victims of workplace accidents will get medical coverage as well as compensation for the lost income.
Knowing about common work-related accidents can help employers take preventive measures and it is imperative to buy the right WC policy for the sake of financial safety. To compare insurance quotes online, visit Securenow and let the experts advise you on how to tackle the possible uncertainties.
