What are occupational accidents, how to prevent them and how to react

What are occupational accidents, how to prevent them and how to react

Occupational accidents are still a scourge in 2019. Despite all the advances in prevention and occupational health, the number of accidents in 2018 increased by 5% and, what is worse, 72 of these accidents were fatal, which means an increase of 28.57% compared to 2017.

This is the reason why it is crucial to realize how important this subject is. All companies have a social duty, to prevent the safety of their workers. Only through awareness, training, prevention and rapid intervention, we will be able to take the number of occupational accidents back to more moderate figures.

Frequency and types of occupational accidents

First of all, in order to be able to prevent occupational accidents, you must know which the most common ones are:

Falls

It is the most common cause of casualty. In order to prevent it, it is necessary to mark properly all the unevenness and avoid obstructions or using of slipping materials.

Hits

Its frequency depends on the mobile elements at the worker’s space. Therefore, instructions must be given in order to avoid obstacles and, if necessary, install barriers or protections.

Muscular injuries

We do not include them in previous categories because they are usually originated by the repetition of movements or by maintaining forced postures. The best solution is to train in ergonomics and postural hygiene.

Accidents on the way to/from work

They are those produced when going to or coming back from work. They are especially dangerous when they happen on the road, so you have to avoid traveling under stress or adverse weather conditions.

Regarding the most frequent types of accidents, we can mention:

  • Injuries caused by violence.
  • Road accidents.
  • Accidents in other means of transport.
  • Fall from height.
  • Getting stuck.
  • Objects falling.
  • Repetitive movements or postural injuries.
  • Poisonings and biological diseases.
  • Crashes, hits or falls from heights.
  • Exposición a agentes agresivos.
  • Suffocation and overexertion.

Although those are the most common accidents, you should not forget to carry out the mandatory risk assessments at your facilities and jobs positions. Remember that failing to comply with the measures of Occupational Risk Prevention is punishable, and also means to pay surcharges on benefits to your workers.

What to do if the accident has happened

If the prevention has not fulfilled its objective, there have to be personnel that can attend immediately the injured person. In this case, this person will have to be transferred to the accident insurance company or, if it requires stabilization, to the nearest hospital.

Do not forget to process the accident or occupational disease reports. Remember that social legislation forces to do so, otherwise you could face important fines for breaking your duty.

In any case, having committed and well-prepared prevention services is fundamental for any company. If you do not have this type of assistance, you would better look for it as soon as possible, in order to find professionals who can help you.