Workplace Injury Prevention

Construction is one of the largest economic sectors in all countries around the world, and employs a large number of workers. It is also one of the most hazardous industries in many countries. The workplace itself is often unstable, the workers may be hit by falling objects or fall down from heights. In addition, the work if often outdoors, and workers walk on slippery surfaces. Although safety performance has improved in many industries the past years, the construction industry seems to lag behind. Worldwide, construction workers are three times more likely to be killed and twice as likely to be injured as workers in other occupations. However, work on safety issues is important, and we need to increase the awareness and knowledge about accident and injury prevention.

Theories that lead to practice

There are several theories of accident and injury prevention that provide a foundation for injury prevention. These days, an epidemiological theory from the 1970-es is often used as a basis for workplace prevention of accidents and injuries. This theory looks at circumstances and environmental factors rather than focusing on individual predisposition and personality traits as the cause of injury. The theory has culminated in what is known as Haddon’s Matrix, a paradigm in the field of injury prevention. Below is an example of how this matrix can be used to prevent amputations of limbs (e.g., fingers, legs).

Looking at the different steps of this Matrix is useful for understanding different parts of injury preventive work. This example can be used for several types of workplaces and several work situations posing a risk of injuries.

Training is important

The Haddon’s Matrix points at several different aspects of prevention of injuries. The main instruments for keeping the workplace safe are education and information, and will be focused upon here. The employer is responsible for giving the workers the necessary education and training in how to perform their work in a safe manner. This training must be given before the worker starts in the job, and regularly updated afterwards. In addition, the education must be given in a language the worker understands. Training in safety and health is now improving and increasing in many countries. By investing in training, countries are better prepared to ensure safety and health in the work places. However, there needs to be both training as well as implementing of national requirements for good safety and health practices at the workplaces. The employer is also responsible for giving the workers enough information regarding the workplace and exposures so that the workers know what they will be exposed to, how it may affect them and how to protect themselves. It is only when the workers themselves know and understands the risk they are exposed to that the workplace can really be safe, because if they know and understand the risk, they will work to reduce and minimize it.

Who can train workers?

It might be difficult to set up appropriate training programmes for safety at work. Such programmes are relatively common and easy to access in developed countries, but in developing countries there might be very few options. However, solutions can be found:

• Training can be performed by attending courses organized by authorities such as The Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OSHA) in Tanzania. They started courses in safety and health and train workers from different workplaces. Also in other countries, it might be a possibility to contact the labour inspections for help on where and how workers can be trained in safety.
• Companies with Occupational Health Services (OHS) can ask these units for help in training workers. This is a part of the normal work in OHS units, you will learn more about this later in this course.

Safety issues can make you smile

Napo films can be used for training, and you see an example above! These are short films you can find on the web. The topics differ, and you can for instance look at the Napo in Safe on Site film. These films are available in 28 languages. They can be showed to groups of workers, to start a discussion.