The statistics related to slip, trip and fall incidents in the workplace are shocking but there’s plenty a business owner can do to prevent unnecessary accidents.

When you’re trying to increase your business’s profitability and growth, the last thing you want is to deal with is an injury in the workplace. Workplace injuries permeate the work environment and can negatively affect both employers and employees.

But the good news is that workplace injuries, especially some of the most common workplace injuries, are preventable.

Housecall Pro, the all-in-one software that streamlines field-service business, has put together a comprehensive visual that breaks down some of the most common workplace injuries and how to prevent them in your workplace.

Even if you don’t work in a home service industry, understanding the main causes of workplace injuries is beneficial. With this knowledge, you’ll know where to look for potential injuries and be better equipped to put proactive safety measures in place.

Consider the following statistics on slips, trips, and falls to learn how you can prevent these injuries from happening in your place of business. Or, scroll ahead to the infographic to share online or use in your workplace!

Statistics on Workplace Injuries

• 11% of workplace injury cases involved overexertion in lifting or lowering items
• 64% of bone fractures were from the service industries
• 26% of bone fractures were from the trade, transportation, and utilities industries
• 62% of slips, trips and falls occurred on the same level
• 20% of slips, trips and falls resulted in a worker falling between two or more levels
• 15% of all non-fatal workplace accidents involve workers being struck by objects or equipment while on the job
• 35% of workplace injuries, across all industries, are sprains, strains, and tears

Statistics on Slips, Trips, and Falls  

• 20% of all fatalities in private industry were related to construction
• 39% of fatalities in construction were from falls
• 8% of deaths in construction resulted from someone being struck by an object
• 5% of deaths in construction were from someone being caught in or between objects
• 887 workplace fatalities were due to slips, trips and falls in 2017
• 14% of all falls are on the same level result from slipping

How You Can Prevent Workplace Injuries

There are a number of effective strategies you can put in place to prevent injuries from happening in your workplace or job site.

AWARENESS AND EDUCATION: Consider toolbox talks, training, and regular safety meetings to increase understanding and attention to the risks in your work environment and ways to avoid injury.

PROPER LIGHTING: Make sure your job site or work environment is well lit and visible, especially in places where there are hazardous materials or obstacles.

SAFETY HAZARD SIGNAGE: Visible signage is a great way to communicate potential hazards or obstacles in the workplace. Consider marking areas that are dangerous with multiple warning signs that are easily visible to all workers.

CONTAIN SPILL: Proper management of spills and dangerous liquids is critical for ensuring job site safety. Checking regularly for leaks and spills, having proper clean up equipment readily available, and ample spill signage can reduce the likelihood of slips, trips, and falls.

VENTILATION: Making sure your job site or workplace is properly ventilated can reduce the risk of workers being exposed to toxic chemicals, moisture, or particulate. Consider using respirators or other air filtration systems in your workplace.

PROPER ATTIRE: Make sure your workers are properly outfitted for the job site. Hard hats, slip-resistant shoes, harnesses, and steel-toed boots are all examples of the types of attire that can help diminish accidents in various field service industries. Assess your work environment to determine the specific attire that works best for avoiding accidents.

As a business owner, you can never be too safe when it comes to your employees and your work environment. Understanding the risks and costs associated with workplace accidents, and understanding how to prevent against them, will improve the physical safety of your crew.

Infographic provided by Housecall Pro, click graphic above to get link to share.

With the right tools, you can do less, while your business does more. To learn more about Housecall Pro, visit their website at housecallpro.com.