No one should have to suffer from an injury on the job. It’s up to employers to keep their premises safe, though. If you are hurt, you have the right to workers’ compensation, which helps you cover the expenses related to your injury.

The best situation is one where no injuries take place. What are some good ways to prevent workplace accidents?

The first thing employers can do is to make sure no one takes shortcuts. It’s always important to finish jobs on time, but not at the expense of an employee’s safety. Always wear the proper safety gear, follow instructions and do the work right.

Another thing employers can do to help prevent accidents is to check the weather. Windy conditions probably aren’t perfect for working on scaffolding, just as very hot weather makes working on pavement more difficult. If employees do need to work in extreme elements, make sure to have the right safety equipment, medical supplies and extras for them. For example, on hot days, it’s a good idea to give employees more breaks and to supply employees with cold drinks and snacks to help them recover during the day. Put up shady areas or have air-conditioned vehicles or structures nearby if possible, so employees get a break from the heat.

Employers can also make safety a priority in the workplace. One idea is to penalize those who do not conform to the workplace’s safety standards, but a better idea is to reward those who consistently perform at a high level without putting others at risk. When employees are trained well and consistently take steps to reduce the risk of injury to themselves and others, they help make the workplace a safety environment.

Source: Arbill, “5 Best Practices to Prevent Workplace Accidents,” accessed March 31, 2017