Work injuries are a serious issue that affects millions of workers every year. According to Safe Work Australia, there were 178 worker fatalities and 114,435 serious claims for workers’ compensation in 201912. Work injuries can cause physical pain, emotional distress, financial loss and reduced productivity. They can also have a negative impact on the reputation and performance of the employer.
Fortunately, many work injuries can be prevented by increasing awareness, training and safety measures. One of the most effective ways to prevent work injuries is to wear proper workwear that suits your industry and task. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common work injuries and how proper workwear can help you avoid them.
What are some common work injuries?
Some of the most common work injuries are:
- Sprains and strains: These are injuries to the muscles, tendons or ligaments caused by overexertion, repetitive motion or awkward posture. They can affect any part of the body, but especially the back, neck, shoulders and knees.
- Cuts and lacerations: These are injuries to the skin caused by sharp objects, such as knives, tools or machinery. They can range from minor scratches to deep wounds that require stitches or surgery.
- Fractures and dislocations: These are injuries to the bones or joints caused by high-impact force, such as falls, collisions or crushing. They can result in broken bones, joint displacement or nerve damage.
- Burns: These are injuries to the skin or tissues caused by heat, electricity, chemicals or radiation. They can cause blistering, swelling, infection or scarring.
- Eye injuries: These are injuries to the eyes caused by foreign objects, such as dust, metal or wood chips, or exposure to bright light, such as welding or lasers. They can cause irritation, inflammation, infection or vision loss.
- Hearing loss: This is a condition that affects the ears caused by exposure to loud noise, such as machinery or explosions. It can cause ringing in the ears, difficulty hearing or deafness.
How can proper workwear prevent work injuries?
Proper workwear is clothing that is designed to protect you from the hazards of your work environment and activity. It can prevent work injuries by:
- Providing physical protection: Workwear can shield your body from external harm, such as cuts, burns or impacts. For example, gloves can protect your hands from sharp objects or chemicals; helmets can protect your head from falling objects or collisions; boots can protect your feet from punctures or slips; jackets can protect your torso from abrasions or cold.
- Enhancing visibility: Workwear can make you more visible to others, especially in low-light or high-traffic conditions. For example, hi-vis clothing can reflect light and attract attention; vests can indicate your role or authority; badges can identify your name or affiliation.
- Improving comfort: Workwear can make you more comfortable during your work hours, especially in extreme weather or long shifts. For example, breathable fabrics can regulate your body temperature and prevent overheating; stretchable materials can allow you to move freely and prevent stiffness; ergonomic designs can support your posture and prevent fatigue.
How to choose the right workwear for your industry and task?
To choose the right workwear for your industry and task, you should consider these factors:
- The hazards you face: You should identify the potential risks you encounter in your work environment and activity. For example, if you work with chemicals, you should wear protective clothing that resists corrosion; if you work at heights, you should wear harnesses that prevent falls; if you work with electricity, you should wear clothing that prevents shocks.
- The standards you follow: You should comply with the relevant work health and safety (WHS) laws and regulations in your state or territory. You should also consult with your employer, workers’ compensation authority or industry association for more guidance and resources. For example, if you work in construction, you should follow the Australian Standards for personal protective equipment (PPE); if you work in agriculture, you should follow the National Injury Prevention Strategy3.
- The preferences you have: You should choose workwear that suits your personal style and comfort. You should also consider the quality and value of the workwear you buy. For example, if you prefer a casual look, you might opt for jeans and t-shirts; if you prefer a professional look, you might opt for trousers and shirts; if you prefer a durable look, you might opt for leather and denim.
Where can you find more information?
If you need more information on how to prevent common work injuries with proper workwear, you can visit our website at www.gowear.com.au. We offer a wide range of workwear products for various industries and tasks. We also provide free shipping, easy returns and excellent customer service. You can also contact us at 0449 605 164 or email us at info@gowear.com.au if you have any questions or feedback. We would love to hear from you and help you find the best workwear for your needs. Thank you for reading our blog post and stay safe!😊