Workplace Hazards, Steps to Prevent Workplace Hazards

Workplace Hazards?

Workplace hazards are a state of affairs that can likely cause distress or destruction to a person or property in any work environment. It is not just related to any specific industry and can affect the working environment of any company if not taken seriously. It is recommended to take effective measures to eradicate and prevent possible injuries and fatalities.

Source : workplaceemergencymanagement

In today's dynamic work environment, it's crucial to prioritize safety and well-being. Workplace hazards pose significant risks to employees, affecting not only their health but also their overall productivity. In this blog post, we'll explore common workplace hazards and provide actionable steps to prevent them, ensuring a secure and thriving work environment.

Common workplace hazards:

1. Safety Hazards-

It is the most frequent type of workplace hazards that is present in all kinds of industries. It includes working in a risky environment which can lead to injuries, fatalities, and property damage.

The most common safety hazards are:

Slips, trips, and falls
Working at heights like scaffolding, ladders, or any point above ground level.
Electrical hazards like improper wiring, disruptive cords, etc.
Secluded spaces like pits, manholes, tunnels, etc.
Heavy machinery-related hazards like improper use of forklifts, boiler safety, etc.
Unsecured machinery.

2. Physical Hazards-

This includes working in a harmful environment which can affect a person without coming in direct contact with it.

Physical hazards include:

Radiation
Working under exposed sunlight or ultraviolet rays
Unbearable loud noises
Working in extreme weather conditions

3. Ergonomic Hazards-

It represents various scenarios in the workplace that can lead to musculoskeletal (skeletal muscles, bones, tendons, joints, ligaments, and other affected soft tissues) injuries.

Ergonomic hazards include:

Improper postures
Forceful movements
Frequent lifting and bending
Continuous vibrations
Repetitive motions

4. Biological Hazards-

Biological hazards are organic substances that present a threat to the health of people and other living organisms.

Biological hazards are caused mainly by:

Virus and bacteria
Fungi
Harmful microorganisms
Insect bites

5. Chemical Hazards-

It is a non-biological substance that has the capability to cause a threat to life or health. Exposure to chemicals (solids, liquids or gas) can cause long-term health issues.

Some chemical hazards are:

Extensive use of pesticides and disinfectants
Deadly gasses like helium, carbon monoxide, propane, methanol and acetylene
Combustible materials like gasoline and solvents
Welding fumes and vapors from cleaning materials

6. Organizational Hazards-

These workplace hazards hamper the mental stability of the workers which is caused by unbearable stress, tension, and extreme workload.

Organizational hazards include:

Work overload
Sexual harassment
Aggression and violence at the workplace
Discrimination and negligence of respect
Lack of interpersonal relationships

The below pie chart shows the common workplace hazards:

Safety Tips to prevent Workplace Hazards:

1. Maintain Safety Protocols-

All the safety procedures and protocols should be made clear to all the employees irrespective of their posts/levels, be it the field worker or the upper management staff. It should be the top priority of the company to convey all the safety guidelines to the workers. If the workers feel safe while doing the job, it will automatically boost the working standard at the company.

2. Qualified Workers-

Companies need to hire employees who have the necessary knowledge and skills to do the job properly. There is a huge demand for certified workers who have a distinguished skill set, to carry out difficult tasks. They can also act as a referral point to all the workers in that specific job role who are facing issues doing their work properly.

3. Training and Education-

The workers of all job categories should be provided job-specific training and basic safety training as well. Proper induction training, sop training is a must for all employees. Refresher training is also a good option for the existing workers, and can easily be delivered through e-learning courses and safety animation videos.

Source : blogger.com

4. Maintenance and Inspection of Equipment-

Timely maintenance of tools and equipment at the workplace should be done so that it does not create issues with the operations of the business. Regular inspections should be conducted to check if there is any discrepancy with the equipment. The training for heavy equipment is quite hectic and can't be delivered through general techniques, so the companies can opt for a safety animation video to educate the workers about all the details pertaining to the proper use of equipment.

5. Healthy Working Culture-

Employers should keep a close look at the working culture inside the organization. All the workers should be treated equally and out of respect at all times, which creates a positive working environment for the workers. The workers are to be kept motivated at all times so that they do not feel neglected.

It is the employer's duty and responsibility to see that the working conditions are safe for workers. Workplace safety training ensures that all the necessary knowledge and skills have been given to the workers, to keep the operation running smoothly without any disruptions. It is highly recommended to use safety animation videos along with basic training methods to clarify the minute details that can be missed in general safety training techniques. Readily available e-learning courses are also a go-to tool for general safety training.