Safety in the workplace is a sensitive issue as the victim’s whole career, earning capacity, physical condition and mental health might be threatened after an accident. The employer should think and behave rationally whilst assessing the risk factors.
The responsibility of providing safety in the workplace is enforced by the laws as the consequences of neglecting these duties are quite foreseeable. However, the extent of safety precautions should be kept large. Under specific circumstances, the worker’s whole day in the office can be risky for his/her physical and mental condition. As an employer, an inspection of the work conditions, assessing the risks and managing a safety plan suitable for the workers’ needs are compulsory.
Major accidents such as blasts, falls and collapses are preventable by following the safety standards
Workplace hazards should be eliminated upon noticing as these risks threaten the worker’s physical and mental health. On the other hand, providing and sustaining safety takes a reasonable amount of time effortto achieve. The form of the risk varies greatly. Numerous aspects of the work may involve risk under adverse conditions. An extensive risk assessment and thoughtful behaviour aids workers the most. Worker’s day at work should wholly be evaluated to take accurate actions. Firstly, workers should be fit and competent for the work. To achieve this, the workers should undergo extensive training processes to be knowledgeable of the work and the operation of equipment that is to be utilised throughout the work.
An inadequate employee shouldn’t be operating heavy machinery that requires a license to operate. Environmental conditions pose a natural risk to workers. On the other hand, these risks can be minimised. Before giving a start to the work, workers should be well equipped with protective equipment such as face masks, safety goggles, steel-toe boots and gloves. Industrial standards apply to each sector.
The safety requirements of your industry are likely to differ and be more extensive than these mentioned precautions. The employer should examine the standards issued by the authorities and wholly apply them to the work. Being unaware of the obligations is not a valid excuse as it has no effect on the outcome of a possible accident. Employers should ensure each aspect of the work is being continued suitable for the safety requirements. This includes the process that starts after distributing the necessary equipment to workers. Regularly,this equipment should be inspected, replaced or recalled from service if necessary.
Falling from heights, being contracted to dust disease and breathing hazardous fumes are among the common safety hazards that are simply preventable. Post-accident reports clearly demonstrate the absence of sufficient maintenance and the use of ineligible equipment in work accidents.
To visualise, a ladder that is in service for a decade is likely to lose its capacity to function correctly. Relying on such equipment wouldn’t be a wise idea as the metal might be rusty and lock itself, weakened on the edges therefore fall apart, or not be able to carry a certain amount of weight. Examination of workplace equipment and provision of industry-grade equipment is the employer’s legal duty.
The provision of safety in the workplace is the compulsory duty of employers
The consequences of neglecting these duties are obvious. Considering the outcome of a potential accident, the workers’ physical and mental health and financial security might be at risk. The underwent surgeries and post-accident sufferings may be unbearable for the victim. In this case, the employer is liable for the loss of the victim as the process could have been different under the supervision of a reasonable employer. These and similar violations of personal injury laws are valid reason to make a compensation claim.
