Common workplace safety hazards

There are many workplace hazards that can happen if the right processes and procedures are not set up. Let’s take a look at some of the more common hazards and how you can prevent them from happening.

Slips and falls

Slips and falls are one of the most common type of injuries at work. They are also the most common cause of worker's compensation claims in many countries, including Australia and Canada.

How to Prevent Slips and Falls:

• Make sure that employees keep their workplace clean by removing any obstructions or hazards on the flooring surface which might create a slip hazard for workers. This includes spills, dust accumulations, etc.
• Regularly check walkways to ensure safety standards have not been compromised due to repairs being undertaken without taking proper steps to reduce potential risks first. Ensure lighting is adequate everywhere throughout your office building as well, since insufficient light can increase the risk of tripping accidents too.
• Ensure all electrical cords used within your facility meet Australian Standards before allowing them anywhere near an area where there are workers or employees.
• Don't put anything on the floor, as this is a trip hazard and can cause someone to fall. Ensure that cords are labelled or colour coded so they don't become confused with others in your office building.
• Ensure all employees know how to safely remove themselves from any given situation if there was an accident of some sort. This may include escape routes etc, and can be informed to workers during sessions when you conduct WHS training in the workplace.
• Make sure that no one is working near areas where dangerous chemicals have been spilled because these materials need special attention during clean-up operations. Workers should be trained on safety procedures for most chemical spills too before allowing them anywhere near such dangers.
• Lighting must meet certain standards at every level within your office building otherwise workers could run into issues such as tripping.

Working with heavy machinery

When there are workers using heavy machinery there is a high likelihood that at some point someone will be injured. This is why it is important to make sure that all workers are trained on how to properly use these machines because there could otherwise be an accident involving them.

Regular training sessions should be conducted to refresh everyone’s memory about how to properly use these machines. People need to also understand what dangers lie within the work environment itself, since there are many safety hazards common in most places of employment.

Exposure to hazardous chemicals

There are many jobs where workers are exposed to dangerous chemicals, and in such cases, there needs to be a set of safety rules in place. Employers should always make sure that employees are aware of these dangers and understand the proper precautions they need to take when it comes to working with such chemicals. Workers will often wear gloves, boots, eye protection, etc., but employers should also implement other things like showering facilities where workers can clean up before exiting the work environment if necessary.

Overexposure to certain chemicals is another hazardous condition prevalent at work places across different industries such as oil refineries, chemical plants, petrochemical factories, etc. These chemicals can cause various types of acute and chronic conditions including cancer, respiratory ailments like asthma etc., depending on their toxicity levels. Employers must provide workers with proper training about the hazards associated with these chemicals and how employees need to handle them during storage or use. Regular training sessions should be held so everyone knows what steps must be taken regarding their safety while at work.

Electrical hazards

Electrical hazards are a very common safety issue faced by employees in their work environment. Electrical hazards can lead to serious consequences and should always never be taken lightly by anyone in the workplace.

Employers need to make sure that workers know what steps they need to take if an electrical hazard is present, so it does not harm anyone or cause any further damage. If a worker notices such a hazard, he or she must report the issue immediately, just like how you would with other safety issues such as chemical leaks for example. Workers also have to practice proper precautions when working on equipment which uses electricity or which has exposed wires hanging from the ceiling etc., since these types of situations may prove dangerous for employees who are not informed about them and do not understand the proper precautions needed while handling such equipment and tools.

Noise hazards

Prolonged exposure to occupational noise can cause hearing disorders and other health problems. Such workers should be given protective equipment such as ear plugs, mufflers etc. Employers should also provide workers with training on how to reduce noise levels in the workplace and implement an effective hearing conservation program.

In addition, regular noise monitoring services should be carried out in order to prevent and control occupational noise exposure. Employees should also be given regular hearing tests to ensure that they are not suffering from any health problems as a result of excessive noise levels in the workplace.

Heat stress

Heat stress has also been found to be a common workplace hazard. Heat stress is caused by working in hot environments without allowing the body to cool down properly through sweating. This can cause a number of health problems such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and even cardiac arrest or death, if not recognized promptly.

The most effective way to prevent this kind of occupational safety hazards is an acclimatization process where employees are gradually exposed to increased temperatures over time so that their bodies have adequate time to adjust accordingly. Such programs should be implemented carefully however, since they could result in serious injuries for workers who suffer from other conditions like heart disease, hypertension etc.

Employers also need to take proactive steps towards ensuring that workplaces do not become excessively warm due to factors like poorly ventilated rooms or insufficient air flow which can cause workers to suffer from heat stroke, dehydration etc.

It is important that employers conduct regular workplace health and safety (WHS) audits through a recognised consultant in order to ensure that they are adhering to the required standards to keep their workers safe from these common hazards.