There has been a spike in fatal workplace accidents in Tennessee that has safety officials concerned. Since January, there have been 22 deaths in the workplace. However, 10 of those deaths occurred just last month. While a large portion of fatal workplace accidents in Tennessee typically occur in the manufacturing industry, almost half of the total portion of these deaths seem to have happened in construction accidents.
According to the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA), most of these fatal construction accidents were the result of a worker falling or being struck by an object. If the trend continues, TOSHA officials say the total amount of workplace deaths for the year will increase by 36 percent.
HOW TO PREVENT FATAL WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS AND KEEP WORKERS SAFE
In order to reduce the amount of fatal workplace accidents, construction companies need to be more diligent in enforcing safety procedures. Employers must train all workers to recognize fall hazards and struck by hazards. Additionally, fall protection equipment must be provided and elevated objects must be properly secured.
However, workplace safety is not just limited to the construction industry. So, TOSHA recommends all companies take the following steps to help create a safe working environment that workers are entitled to:
- Employers should host a company-wide safety and health “stand down” meeting, where a discussion on recognizing and preventing hazards can be had
- Workers should pledge to work together as a team to create a safe working environment
- Employers and workers should come together to establish a safety and help program that would benefit everyone
- Employers should encourage workers to report hazards, incidents and injuries, even the minor ones
- Workers should be encouraged to increase their attention towards the safety of potentially vulnerable workers, such as new hires, temporary workers or those who aren’t fluent in English
Stanley A. Davis is a Nashville workers’ compensation attorney who helps those who have sustained injuries caused by workplace accidents.
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4