Workplace injuries are one of the worst things that can happen to your employees and your business. Not only does it cause your employee physical and emotional distress, but it also decreases work morale, and can also put your business in serious financial trouble if something drastic has happened.

Don’t let your business fall victim to an injury or hazard that can be easily prevented; we’ve put together 5 simple tips and tricks that can help you prevent the simple mishaps regarding workplace safety.

1. Prevent injuries

Believe it or not, the most common occupational injuries are usually ones that can be easily prevented. Of course, the easiest way to avert a workplace injury is to ensure that your employees are kitted out in the appropriate safety workwear. As well as this, the basics of thwarting workplace injuries are regard the surroundings.

For instance, all workplaces should be kept in an orderly and clean condition; that is, passageways, storerooms and service rooms should be tidy, and floors should be clean and dry. Moreover, employers should install adequate flooring in the first instance, as different flooring will be required for different purposes; it’s a recipe for disaster if you use substances like oil and grease without the right flooring.

2. Eliminate fire hazards

Fire hazards are one of the most dangerous injuries that are just waiting to happen.

Moreover, fire hazards not only pose a physical risk to your employees. Fires can cause huge, irreparable damage to your business. Any combustible waste should be stored in the appropriate receptacles and disposed of daily, and quick-burning, flammable materials should be stored in designated locations away from ignition sources. If in doubt, consult the Victorian fire safety manual to assist you.

3. Control dust

An accumulation of dust isn’t just going to give you hayfever.

Dust accumulation thicker than a coin actually provides a hazard, regarding fire, explosions and physical injuries such as slipping and falling. As well as this, the air in the workplace should be tested for air quality if dust exposure is a concern. Ensure you keep a clean and dust-free workplace by vacuuming regularly, rather than just dusting. Don’t be afraid to clean up high, either; ensure that you vacuum walls, ceilings, machinery and other places that may accumulate dust.

4. Mitigate the risk of falling objects

Falling objects can seemingly come out of nowhere and can cause some serious damage. Simple protections such as a toe board, toe rail or net can help prevent objects from falling and hitting workers or equipment. As well as this, think about stacking boxes and materials straight up and down to keep them from falling. Use your common sense with this one: place heavy objects on lower shelves and keep equipment away from the edges of desks and tables.

5. Clear clutter

It may seem harmless, but a cluttered and disorganised workspace is a surefire way to instigate a workplace injury. Lacerations and cuts are common with cluttered areas, as workers are likely to be twisting their bodies rather than moving their whole bodies. Ensure that your employees are always returning tools and other materials that they are no longer using, and are disposing of materials that they no longer need. Lastly, keep aisles, stairways, emergency exits, electrical panels and doors clear of clutter, and purge untidy areas and empty trash receptacles before they overflow.