Entrepreneurs Must Know! Here's How to Prevent Workplace Accidents

Managing a business cannot be separated from the risks that arise during operations. While you may already have effective crisis management steps for external matters, it’s equally important to be vigilant about workplace accident risks within your business.

But what exactly constitutes a workplace accident? What is its definition so it can be broken down further, and preparations for potential incidents can be made to reduce the risk?

Also Read: How to Use a Fire Extinguisher at Home, Must Understand Important Points!

Basic Understanding: Definition of Workplace Accidents

You might generally understand this phrase as any incident that occurs at a work or business location, related to work, and can cause injury, illness as a side effect, or even death.

However, there is a clear definition that can be observed from several sources. For instance, OHSAS as an international standard in implementing occupational health and safety management systems, as well as standard regulations such as ministerial regulations and laws.

According to OHSAS (Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series), a workplace accident is any incident related to work that can cause illness, injury, or death.
According to Law No. 1 of 1970, this concept is defined as an unforeseen and undesired event that disrupts the regulated process of an activity and can cause loss to both human victims and property.
According to Minister of Manpower Regulation No. 5 of 2021, it is defined as an accident that occurs in relation to work, including accidents that occur during the commute from home to work or vice versa, and diseases caused by the work environment.

Armed with these three definitions and references, you will clearly understand what a workplace accident means.

4 Classifications of Workplace Accidents and 7 Common Types

There are at least four classifications of workplace accidents and seven types that can be mentioned in this brief article. Of course, you can delve into each point in this section further by seeking detailed explanations to better understand the risks and prevention methods.

4 Classifications of Workplace Accidents

According to the International Labour Organization, workplace accidents are classified based on the type of work, causes, nature of the injury or disorder, and the location of the injury or disorder on the body. Briefly, here’s the explanation:

By type of work: falling, being hit by falling objects, being pinched by objects or work tools, exposure to extreme temperatures, contact with hazardous objects, radiation exposure, electric shock, activities exceeding worker’s capabilities, and similar situations.
By cause: due to machinery, transport equipment or vehicles, non-ideal work environment conditions, electrical installations, and hazardous materials or substances.
By nature of injury or disorder: radiation exposure marks, electric shock marks, suffocation, poisoning, burns, external wounds, amputation, bruises, muscle strain, dislocation, and fractures.
By location of injury or disorder on the body: injury or disorder in multiple areas simultaneously, lower limbs, upper limbs, body, neck, and head.

7 Common Types

In addition to the four classifications above, there are at least seven types of workplace accidents. A brief explanation is as follows:

Being struck by objects at work
Slipping or falling
Traffic accidents
Getting cut by sharp objects or machines
Inhaling toxic gases
Muscle injuries
Noise pollution causing hearing loss

Mapping the Causes of Workplace or Business Accidents

Workplace accidents do not happen without cause, which is why it is important for you as a business owner to map out the factors that cause these unwanted incidents. By understanding the potential causes, you can take appropriate preventive measures.

1. Human Factors

Human factors refer to the behavior, attitude, and skills of staff or workers in performing their tasks. When someone is not concentrating, joking around while working, or ignoring safety rules, the risk of accidents increases.

2. Equipment Condition Factors

Paying attention to the condition, quality, and maintenance process of the equipment used is important to minimize the risk of accidents caused by equipment. Faulty and malfunctioning equipment can be a source of problems, from short circuits, machine explosions, exposed wires, to boots that no longer have good grip.

3. Environmental Factors

Another factor to consider is the work environment. Workplace accidents can also stem from the work environment, office, or business location. Non-supportive environmental conditions for business operations will be problematic if not addressed properly. This includes non-ideal temperatures, excessive noise levels, inadequate lighting, uncontrolled air pollution, and high humidity, all of which can trigger multiple risks to employee safety.

Tips for Prevention and Mitigation of Workplace Accidents

There are numerous actions that can be taken to prevent workplace accidents and mitigate these risks. Of course, all the tips shared in this final section should be tailored to your company’s policies to find the best and most appropriate formula for implementation.

First, do not endorse any habits that are risky or increase safety risks.
Second, establish clear measures for each existing risk and make this a shared understanding.
Third, review the safety policies and procedures in place, ensuring they are relevant to any changes occurring.
Fourth, provide adequate training for your employees on matters related to workplace safety.
Fifth, conduct routine inspections at specific intervals to examine all aspects of the work environment.
Sixth, supervise employees during work hours to ensure no one violates safety regulations.
Seventh, involve employees in considering workplace safety policies to be implemented. Remember, no one knows the work area better than those who spend their time there.
Eighth, start using a risk management approach in your work area to enhance the perspective in identifying existing risks.
Ninth, provide the necessary support for employees to maintain stable performance without endangering themselves or their colleagues.
Tenth, ensure your business has solid insurance coverage, both for employees and the business itself.

Handling workplace safety and accidents is not easy, but if not addressed from the start, the potential problems will be larger and lead to significant losses. Therefore, careful planning for crisis management is essential.

Implementing the above tips, along with awareness of existing risks, will form a solid combination for your business plan regarding safety and workplace accidents. To help you complete these procedures, it is recommended to use the right insurance products, such as those offered by PT AXA Insurance Indonesia. SmartBusiness Insurance provides significant benefits for protecting your business, such as financial compensation if your business is disrupted due to workplace accidents or other conditions. You can learn more by clicking the link and using solid protection from PT AXA Insurance Indonesia for your business!

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