Safety Focused Newsletter: April 2022

Fall Prevention Tips

Fall hazards are some of the most common causes of serious injuries and deaths in the workplace. Fall-related incidents can happen during everyday tasks, such as walking or climbing stairs. Other potential fall hazards include slippery areas, cluttered walkways, and damaged or unkempt floors.

Fall-related injuries and deaths can occur across all industries, not just in high-risk sectors like construction. In fact, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the health care, wholesale and retail industries have the highest counts of nonfatal fall-related injuries. Examples of nonfatal fall-related injuries include:

• Broken or fractured bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Back and neck injuries

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, falls account for 8% of all occupational deaths. Even falls from heights as low 6 feet can be deadly, which is why it’s important for employees to follow fall prevention precautions. After all, many falls are preventable if proper protocols are followed. The following fall prevention tips can help reduce or eliminate potential hazards in your workplace:

• Wear appropriate, nonslip footwear.
• Use proper personal protective equipment and fall protection gear whenever necessary.
• Ensure your workspace is free from clutter and potential obstacles.
• Clean up any spills immediately to keep floors clean and dry.
• Inspect all equipment before using it and never use equipment you are not trained on.
• Set ladders on a stable area and always maintain three points of contact to keep your balance.

For more information on fall prevention measures, talk to your supervisor.

Embracing Workplace Changes

Over the past few years, both employers and employees have faced several workplace changes, many of which happened rapidly, leaving little time to adapt. Potential adjustments may include remote operations, new technology, and different workplace setups. Although beneficial, these changes can bring about new occupational stressors and safety exposures that need to be handled appropriately.

It is important for you to fully understand and embrace these shifts so you can adjust accordingly and stay safe and healthy on the job. Here are some tips for adapting to workplace changes:

• Make time to rework your goals and have a plan for achieving them. While sudden change may leave you feeling directionless, taking the time to adjust your goals will help guide you through the process.
• Understand why the changes are necessary, especially regarding matters of safety. While doing things the “old way” may seem tempting, it could put you at a disadvantage—or even put you in danger—as those around you embrace the new variations. Understanding such developments can help you adapt to them more easily.
• Communicate with your manager and team. When working remotely, use video chat to feel more connected with your co-workers. Discuss any concerns with your manager so you can work through them together.
• Take charge of changes by making them work for you. Transitions and adjustments can give you the opportunity to expand your skill set, which will help foster professional growth.
• Acknowledge your feelings about any workplace modifications. Change can be stressful, but take a moment to acknowledge why these adjustments are making you feel the way they do. You may not always be able to control your emotions, but you can control what you do with them.
• Maintain a positive attitude. Not all change may feel good, but the way you react to it doesn’t have to be bad. A positive outlook will allow you to make the best of every situation.

Consult your supervisor for more information on embracing changes within the workplace.