Injury Prevention Strategies for Safety in the Workplace

Harriman Material Handling works to involve individuals, communities, and organizations in pursuits aimed at injury prevention and lessening the impacts of injury. The high priority on awareness-raising and strengthening prevention measures stresses its critical relevance in today’s world.

Injury Prevention is Everyone’s Business

At HMH, we are integrating the values of National Trauma Awareness Month (NTAM) into our organization. We prioritize safety and injury prevention within all of our operations. By aligning with the principles of NTAM, we establish our commitment to promoting a culture of safety.

The National Safety Council focuses on various safety topics to consider when addressing injury prevention: Musculoskeletal disorders, the introduction of new technologies, diversity, equity, and inclusion, COVID-19, mental health, impairment, fatigue, drugs at work, workplace violence, and slips, falls, trips, and falls. In 2022, the NSC found that the most prevalent workplace injury was musculoskeletal disorders.

Musculoskeletal Disorders
Affecting one-quarter of the global population, MSDs – such as rotator cuff tears, back strain and carpal tunnel syndrome – impact business efficiency and workers’ ability to live their fullest lives. Often known as ergonomic injuries, they result from risk factors including forceful exertions, awkward or static postures, and repetitive movements.
Impairment
Impairment can be caused by legal or illegal chemical substances, fatigue, mental distress and stress. You can provide support by recognizing the impact of workplace impairment, educating yourself and your team, training for spotting the first signs of impairment, treating SUDs as a medical condition, and leveraging resources to support recovery.
Fatigue
People often make light of how little sleep they get on a regular basis; an over-worked, over-tired condition has become the norm for many. But a good night’s sleep is not just a novelty, it’s a necessity. The effects of fatigue are far-reaching and can have an adverse impact on all areas of our lives.
Workplace Violence
Warning signs of oncoming workplace violence: Excessive use of alcohol or drugs, unexplained absenteeism, change in behavior or decline in performance, depression, withdrawal or suicidal comments, resistance to changes at work or persistent complaining about unfair treatment, company policy violations, emotional responses to criticism, mood swings, and paranoia.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
It may come as a surprise that the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death is falls. In 2022, 46,653 people died in falls at home and at work, according to Injury Facts^®. For working adults, depending on the industry, falls can be the leading cause of death.

Injury Prevention Programs

“Injury prevention programs play a crucial role in bolstering community support and well-being. In any community, the impact of injuries extends far beyond the individual level, affecting families, neighborhoods, and the overall social fabric.”

Some existing organizations The American Trauma Center recommends considering for injury prevention programs include the National Safety Council, Wear Orange, and the National Council on Aging.

Forming Partnerships for Injury Prevention

Injury prevention initiatives are critical for community prosperity and unity, recognizing that injuries echo beyond individuals – impacting the union of families, neighborhoods, and society.

“Partnerships play a pivotal role in the development and success of injury and violence prevention programs.” – American Trauma Society

Collaborative partnerships are necessary for producing effective injury and violence prevention strategies, underscoring their critical contribution to program success and value. NTAM provides the Six Degrees of Cooperation, asking, “Who do you know? Who do they know?” It’s important to consider people that you know in working together to actively prevent injuries.

Policies

While personal behavioral changes and community-based interventions are critical, sustained progress in curbing injuries and violence requires systemic shifts at the policy level. Advocacy initiatives strengthen the voices of those affected, raise crucial awareness, and rally support for evidence-based policies and regulations.

Policies include a broad spectrum, from backing safety standards in various industries and implementing rigid traffic laws to regulating firearm access and stiffening public health initiatives. By actively advocating for and implementing resilient policies, individuals and communities can assist environments that prioritize safety, mitigate risk factors, and ultimately save lives.

Integrating advocacy and policy into injury prevention strategies is essential for instigating enduring, impactful change that benefits individuals, communities, and society as a whole. HMH, alongside the American Trauma Society, encourage you to get involved in your community, engage with advocacy efforts, and contribute to shaping policies that safeguard our collective well-being. Together, we can create safer, healthier environments for everyone.

Population

Injury prevention encompasses efforts to reduce and, whenever possible, eliminate risks and hazards that jeopardize individuals’ safety, leading to both intentional and unintentional harm. Understanding the diverse contexts in which individuals live, work, and play is crucial, considering factors such as age, geographic location, and socio-economic status. Recognizing and addressing these risks is integral to effective injury prevention strategies, aiming to diminish the severity of trauma.

The Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), as defined by the Center for Disease Control, encompass non-medical factors that significantly influence health outcomes. These include the environments in which individuals are cared for, develop, work, reside, and age, as well as the broader systems and influences shaping their daily living conditions.

Learn About Improving Visibility for Injury Prevention

In fast-paced industrial settings, even the smallest oversight can lead to big accidents. That’s why taking steps to improve visibility is critical to preventing workplace injuries and keeping operations running smoothly. Whether it’s safety mirrors to eliminate blind spots or floor tape to direct traffic, the right visibility tools can be a game-changer for your team’s safety.

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An Effort Toward Building Safer Communities through Injury Prevention

As we delve into the intricacies of injury prevention, it becomes evident that our collective efforts are pivotal in fostering safer communities. By championing National Trauma Awareness Month’s mission, integrating advocacy and policy into our strategies, and understanding the social determinants of health, we pave the way for lasting change. Let us continue to collaborate, advocate, and innovate, striving towards a future where safety, well-being, and resilience define our communities. Together, we can build a world where injuries are minimized, lives are preserved, and every individual thrives in a secure environment.

Certain populations are stated to be particularly at risk, including those in specific geographic regions, LGBTQ individuals, pregnant women, survivors of domestic violence, pediatric patients, and seniors. Understanding these risk factors and addressing the underlying social determinants of health are essential components of comprehensive injury prevention efforts.