Safety authorities say a significant number of workplace injuries nationwide, including in Illinois happen as the result of human errors. They say the prevalence of injuries caused by unsafe actions by employees exceeds those resulting from unsafe conditions by far. This underscores the importance of compliance with prescribed safety regulations.
Are you inclined to find something to blame for incidents that cause work-related injuries? Finding the actual causes might be time well spent, and it could prevent injuries in the future.
Typical worker errors known to cause occupational injuries
If you can honestly say that you are not guilty of any of the following behaviors, you might increase your chances of returning home safely after every shift:
- Poor housekeeping: Keeping your workstation clean and organized will show your superiors your commitment to safety and productivity. An area that is free of clutter and randomly placed objects poses fewer risks.
- Unplanned work: Failure to do a job hazard analysis and rushing in to get a job done in the shortest time exacerbates the injury risks.
- Following incomplete instructions: With incomplete instructions, you will do an incomplete job, and you will likely be sent to redo it and face the injury hazards for a second time. Do not hesitate to ask questions and insist on complete instructions and explanations before you proceed with any task.
- Ignoring safety standards: Each job is subject to a set of safety procedures, which are there for a reason. Regulations typically follow injury incidents, and ignoring them could send you to the hospital.
- Being over-confident: Confidence to do your job is essential, but too much of it can be life-threatening. Doing the same task multiple times without injuries does not make you invincible, and the same care you took on the first day must prevail every consecutive time you do that task.
- Mental distractions: Although it might be difficult to separate personal or home problems and concerns from work, it is crucial. A divided focus at work can make even the less hazardous tasks dangerous.
- Taking shortcuts: Working more efficiently and taking shortcuts are two totally opposite approaches. While the first method allows you to go onto the next job sooner, the latter might risk your safety and that of co-workers – it can also turn out to be a waste of valuable time.
You might want to keep in mind that your work habits can also influence co-workers. If you set a good example, you might be even safer because just as your errors can affect them, theirs can harm you.
Unfortunately, unanticipated workplace accidents can happen at any time. If you land up in the hospital after such an incident, you might find comfort in knowing that the workers’ compensation program of Illinois will cover your medical expenses and lost wages. An attorney who has experience in this field of the law can assist with the navigation of the benefits claims process.
