8 Common Causes of Workplace Accidents

Workplace safety for employees is crucial. However, even after taking precautions and safety measures, accidents can take place. Some of the causes of industrial accidents and other workplace incidents are listed below:

1. Overexertion

One of the significant causes of accidents in the workplace is overexertion due to pulling, pushing, lifting or carrying heavy objects. Injuries due to overexertion may not seem painful at first but can have serious long-term effects.

However, overexertion-related injuries can be prevented by providing ergonomic equipment to employees. Further, by properly training employees about safety in doing the job, overexertion-related injuries can be minimised.

2. Slip and Falls Incidents

Another common workplace accident is slips and falls due to slick or wet floors. This generally happens in oil and liquid manufacturing factories. If a liquid is spilled on the floor there are high chances, the workers may get injured.

The severity of injuries depends on the intensity of the fall. However, such workplace accidents can be prevented if a factory is cleaned properly every day. Further, factories should also have a safety protocol when a spill happens.

3. Machine or Equipment Failure

Another cause of accidents in the workplace is machine or equipment failure. Industrial machines can be very complicated and contain high risks of getting injuries if not operated properly.

Many machines use automatic gears and conveyor belts; if not used properly, employees can encounter an accident, which can cause loss of limb, dislocations, fractures, etc.

However, these machine-related injuries can be avoided by undertaking proper maintenance of machines and offering machine-related training to employees.

4. Dehydration

Employees need to drink water on a regular basis to keep themselves hydrated. If an employee doesn't drink enough water, then it can have serious consequences.

During summer, not having an adequate amount of water can lead to cardiac or heat stroke conditions, especially if employees are working outdoors or in industries exposed to intense heat.

5. Poor Vehicle Operating Skills

Due to their efficient operation, vehicles such as trucks, forklifts, etc., are very common in many factories. These vehicles require proper operating skills by the employees.

However, many times, employees are inefficient in driving such vehicles, which causes major workplace accidents.

To prevent such accidents, employers must ensure that the workers who operate vehicles or forklifts have proper training and certificates. Further, warning signs should be in the area where these vehicles are operated.

6. Fire and Explosions

Another cause of workplace accidents is fire and explosions. These can happen due to short circuits, human error, or machine failure. Fire can cause severe injuries to workers.

Proper fire safety protocols need to be followed to prevent such incidents. Further, immediate hospitalisation of burned victims is crucial to minimise the injury.

7. Exposure to Chemicals

Many industrial processes involve the use of harmful chemical materials. This can put employees’ and workers’ health at risk due to toxic chemicals exposure.

Chemical exposures can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation and other severe burns. Such accidents generally occur due to improper handling of hazardous material.

These workplace accidents can be avoided by wearing proper safety gear and following safety protocols.

8. Poor Lighting

Poor lighting is also a major cause of industrial accidents. Due to poor lighting, many workers fall, trip, and encounter other significant injuries. These incidents can be prevented by adequately lighting the workplace areas, including warehouses, offices, parking areas and more.

9. Workplace Violence

Workplace violence can happen due to conflicts between workers, office politics, cultural differences and other things.

However, such incidents can be prevented by conflict resolution and peer mediation. Further, violence prevention protocols need to be implemented to curb such situations.

10. Stress

Stress is one of the underlying factors contributing to many workplace accidents or injuries. Workplace employees need to be physically fit and free from stress to do their jobs efficiently.

To prevent stress-related incidents, employers need to focus on their employees' mental well-being. Offering help in ways like including stress management techniques, counselling sessions, etc. can help.

It is the employer's duty to create a safe environment for their employees. By prioritising health and safety measures, employees can prevent workplace accidents. Besides this, other safety measures include:

• Timely risk assessment of health and safety measures.

• Offering proper safety training to employees.

• By involving employees in safety initiatives.

The above-listed accidents can happen in any workplace. These accidents can bring additional financial expenses to employers.

However, there are many insurance plans available under SME insurance. One among them is the workers' compensation policy, which offers financial protection and medical benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses.

With a workmen’s compensation insurance policy, employees can receive medical treatment, wage replacement, vocational rehabilitation, and more.

Tata AIG is a reputed insurance company that offers this policy, which offers security to employees in times of need.

Workplace accidents can affect not only overall business growth but also impact the well-being of its employees.

There are various causes of workplace accidents, such as human errors, equipment failure, and more.

However, by understanding workplace accidents, these accidents can be prevented. Further, through training and education and adopting safer work practices, employers can ensure safe work environments.

What causes 90% of all workplace injuries?

Human error is the primary cause of workplace accidents. Human error generally occurs due to overexertion, stress, fatigue, and other factors.

Is it possible to prevent workplace accidents?

Yes, by taking proper precautions and following all the safety protocols workplace accidents can be prevented by the employers.

What are the main 5 hazards in the workplace?

The main hazards in the workplace are fire, electrical, chemical exposure, repetitive motion injury and falling objects.