If your position in the Missouri workforce puts you in a construction, mining or manufacturing environment, you will undoubtedly face countless hazards during every shift you work. Industrial hazards can cause fractures, musculoskeletal injuries, open wounds, falls and physical injuries. There are injury risks of varying types and severity in any workplace.
There is little chance of complete elimination of industrial hazards, but compliance with strict regulations and measures to protect the safety and health of employees may limit the number and severity of occupational injuries. If you arm yourself with knowledge about the potential hazards in your workplace environment and attend all safety-training programs, you might keep yourself out of harm’s way.
Safety training
Some employers and employees regard safety training as a waste of time and an interference with activities that bring profits for the company. However, the reality is that incidents of workplace injuries can adversely affect company profits. Conversely, increased company profits may follow adequate safety training to avoid the following typical industrial hazards:
- Musculoskeletal injuries: Strains, sprains and tears to muscles and tendons in your back, shoulders, arms or legs can happen in any workplace. However, adequate training in proper lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling techniques can prevent such injuries, and the use of appropriate protective equipment can provide additional protection.
- Falls: Reportedly, falls cause a significant percentage of fatal workplace injuries in Missouri every year, and falls from elevated levels are most hazardous. Extensive training is necessary to learn about the potential hazards, how to recognize them and how to avoid being a victim. However, a large part of fall prevention is the equipment to arrest falls, and without separate training in the proper use of a fall harness, lanyards and anchor points, the risk remains significant.
- Industrial equipment hazards: Machine-use training requires different sessions to deal with the many hazards posed by moving machine parts, the operation of various machines, and mobile equipment such as forklifts and other elevated platform vehicles. Specific training to recognize and assess risks is vital and one of the essential skills to learn if you want to keep yourself and your co-workers out of harm’s way.
- Medical emergencies: Explore the possibility of learning basic first-aid techniques that may save lives while waiting for the arrival of paramedics in the event of a workplace accident. Courses are available to learn how to assess risk, stabilize injured victims and perform CPR.
Bottom line
Suitable training related to health and safety in your occupation can equip you with the skills to assess risks and put safety measures in place that will reduce or eliminate the chance of injuries. However, if you do suffer a workplace injury, the Missouri workers’ compensation insurance program will have your back. You may choose to seek the assistance of experienced legal counsel to navigate the claim for benefits on your behalf.