Every year, around 1.7 million people in the UK suffer from work-related injuries or illnesses. Of these, more than half a million relate to musculoskeletal injuries. There is obviously a considerable human cost associated with this phenomenon – but there’s also an economic cost felt by wider society, which stems from lost productivity. That’s before we consider the cost of legal action brought by personal injury lawyers specialising in workplace accidents.

Under UK law, employers are duty-bound to provide a safe working environment. Employees, too, might take it upon themselves to spot and eliminate risk. In many cases, spotting risk is simple – since a majority of the causes of injury tend to stem from a few common causes. Let’s take stock of five of the most common.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

Around a third of all injuries suffered at work relate to slips, trips, and falls. Thus, many workplaces could vastly decrease their injury rate, as well as enjoying general productivity benefits, by simply making sure that the environment is clean and tidy. In some cases, it might also be worth investing in non-slip flooring, and quality lighting that ensures all hazards are clearly visible.

Manual Handling Injuries

Improper handling of heavy loads can cause significant injury without warning. This is the second most common kind of injury, at around 17% of cases. The solution here is usually simple: by training employees proactively, and requiring them to use the right technique, you can drive down the accident rate. 

While this kind of injury is common in manual labour, it’s also something that might occur in an office setting. When loads are lifted only infrequently, poor technique is more likely.

Struck by Moving Objects

When objects are allowed to fall from height, they might pose a risk to any workers moving below. You might think of a spanner that’s inadvertently knocked from a windowsill or scaffold. In manufacturing settings, the whirring gears of a piece of machinery might also qualify.

This risk can be mitigated through clear signage, personal protective equipment, and basic housekeeping. Hold workers to high standards, and punish them for improper practices before those practices have a chance to inflict injury.

Acts of Violence

While it might seem strange, acts of violence actually account for 9% of workplace injuries. Workplace violence might arise as a result of disputes between workers. What matters is that employers take a zero-tolerance approach to workplace violence.

Falls from Height

Falls from height tend to be rare, accounting for just 8% of injuries. However, the consequences of a fall from height can be severe. In some cases, they can be fatal. 

This is a concern that’s usually – though not always – prevalent in environments where scaffolding and raised platforms are being used. Make sure that proper training is provided for those working from heights, and that scheduled inspections and maintenance of the platforms themselves are actually carried out.