Identifying Workplace Hazards
Every employee of a company deserves to work in a safe work environment. Workplace hazards can put employees at risk of injury and cause unexpected absences. As a business owner or manger, it’s your responsibility to protect your employees and identify risks on the job site so you can take corrective action as needed. Workplace hazards can include anything from bacteria and viruses to physical hazards that increase the risk of trips and falls. Here are a few suggestions for identifying potential workplace dangers before they can cause harm to anyone.
Things to Look Out For
CHECK FOR TRIPPING HAZARDS
Trip and fall Injuries are very common in the workplace. To keep employees safe, frequent inspections of workspaces should be conducted to identify things that could cause workers to trip or slip. Examples of common causes of tripping and slipping hazards include wet floors, debris, electrical cords, and boxes. When managers identify these hazards, warning signs should immediately be put in place to warn employees and visitors of the hazard. Some hazards may require immediate remedies before operations can continue.
INSPECT AIR QUALITY
Poor air quality can be caused by a variety of factors, including contaminated air from chemicals or other substances, poor ventilation, excess moisture, and ongoing construction. Respiratory problems, fatigue, headaches, and pneumonia can all develop as the result of poor air quality at work. To prevent this problem, buildings should be checked for water damage, strange odors, humidity, and proper airflow. The HVAC system should also be checked regularly for dirty filters and proper operation to ensure normal function.
Implementing Solutions
PROVIDE ERGONOMIC TOOLS
Repetitive movements and improper body positioning can cause a variety of injuries to employees. While some jobs require employees to perform repetitive movements, business owners can provide them with the training and ergonomic tools they need to avoid straining their musculoskeletal systems. If employees do become injured from workplace conditions, injury lawyers recommend filing legal action against the employer.
AWARENESS IS KEY TO A SAFE WORKPLACE
When workplace hazards are not identified and addressed immediately, they can lead to workplace injuries that can cause unneeded employee suffering. Employee injuries can also lead to increased sick days, unwanted hospital stays, and decreased efficiency. It is in your best interest to keep your personnel safe and create a safety checklist that you can reference when inspecting your building for potential hazards.