Occupational injuries

Occupational injuries

Common injuries among health workers are slips, trips and falls, road traffic injuries (ambulance crashes, motorbike and bicycle injuries), electric shock, explosions and fire.

WHO / NOOR / Benedicte Kurzen
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Occupational injuries

Wet floors, spills, and clutter may cause slips, trips and falls.

Poor vehicle maintenance, inadequate operator training and lack of safety restraint contribute to ambulance crashes.

Unsafe electric work practices may cause electric shock, electrocutions, fire and explosions.

Preventive measures

Slips, trips and falls

Ensure access to and use of slip resistant shoes

Install slip-resistant flooring and increase floor cleaning frequency

Eliminate tripping hazards in work areas.

Ensure safe railings for stairs and heights.

Support older workers to participate in falls prevention activities.


Adopt safe work practices e.g., use of seat belts, prohibiting mobile phone use while driving, wearing helmets when riding motorbikes and bicycles etc.

Set speed limits for vehicles according to regulatory requirements.

Develop and implement a system for recording and investigating incidents.

Employ competent drivers and conduct regular driving competency and medical fitness tests

Maintain vehicles in good condition

Consider good driver access or visibility when purchasing or deploying vehicles


Electrical injuries (1)

Train workers on safe use of electrical equipment

Ensure availability of enough sockets to avoid overloading socket outlets

Remove trailing cables that may cause trips or falls

Switch off and unplug appliances before cleaning or adjusting them

Check for signs of dangers from electricity before using electrical equipment

All electrical work should be done by a competent person

Stop using faulty equipment immediately and have it checked by a competent person

Ensure all electrical equipment are suitable for use before using them

Consider using a residual current device to reduce the risk of electric shock

References

(1) Electrical safety.

International Labor Organization