You want to feel safe in your home, so you do everything you can to discover the hazards that can affect you. But, unfortunately, we don’t seem to do this in the places we work. As an employee, you should know the hazards in your workplace. It is your responsibility to know these hazards to protect yourself and your co-workers. 

And most importantly, your manager needs to be aware of these hazards because they can help prevent them from happening or make their employees more aware of them to take appropriate actions to ensure that they are working in a productive and safe space.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: 

What are Hazards? 

Hazards are defined as a potential source of danger or harm. They can be physical, chemical, biological, or natural. In the workplace, hazards can be anything that could cause injury to employees and damage to equipment.

Hazards are not just physical injuries but also the psychological effects of a dangerous work environment. For example, a study conducted by Harvard University found that working in a high-stress environment can cause mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.

Importance of Understanding Hazards and Risks in the Workplace 

When it comes to hazard and risk, they are often seen as interchangeable, but everyone understands what they mean. However, a hazard is a potential threat to people or property, while risks are the possible consequences of hazards.

Understanding the risks in the workplace and how you can avoid them is essential for any company. This will help them identify new opportunities and minimize losses in case of an accident.

There are many factors that contribute to hazards and risks in the workplace. Some of them include equipment failures, human error, natural disasters, or changes in the workplace. For example, equipment failures can lead to injuries and fatalities at work because of possible electrocution, physical injury from heavy machinery, or falling objects. So, if you want to keep yourself safe while in the workplace, here are a few of the most common hazards you may come across:

Chemicals 

Chemicals are a common hazard in the workplace, and they have been known to cause various injuries. Some of the most common injuries are chemical burns, and they can be caused by handling chemicals, touching them, or inhaling them.

Chemical burns are painful and severe injuries resulting in scarring and disfigurement. While there is no way to prevent chemical burns, there are ways to minimize their severity if you know what you’re doing.

Chemicals can also lead to other hazards such as fire or explosion, so it’s important for people who work with chemicals to be aware of the risks involved.

Electrical Devices 

Like computers and cell phones, electrical devices can be hazardous to workers’ health and safety. The most common hazard of these gadgets is electromagnetic radiation, which can cause cancer or neurological disorders. The other hazard is the risk of fire from electrical equipment such as cords or power strips.

Electrical devices at work have increased exponentially in recent years, with nearly 80% of employees using them for personal purposes such as checking email or browsing social media during work hours. This presents a considerable risk for companies as they need to ensure their employees are safe while working on company property.

Slips and Trips 

Another common hazard is slips and trips, leading to workplace injuries. They can lead to severe injuries and even death, so employers need to take precautionary measures.

Slips and trips are common hazards in the workplace because people often use their hands, feet, or body parts to support themselves while walking or standing. Slips happen when there is a break in the surface that someone’s foot or hand is resting on, for example, on a wet floor or a slippery stairway.

Those experiencing slips and falls may find themselves in a position where they can not work anymore. In these situations, it is essential to find good Slip & Fall Accident Lawyers who can help you get your benefits and ensure that your financial life does not fall apart.

Manual Handling

Manual handling is a common hazard in the workplace. It is responsible for about half of the occupational injuries and diseases in the United States. 

It can be pretty dangerous to work with heavy materials, such as rocks and bricks, without using proper tools or machinery. As a result, many companies have adopted safe handling procedures to reduce their risk of injury.

Faulty Equipment

The most common hazards in an office workplace are faulty equipment and poor work practices. These hazards can lead to injuries and even death. In addition, defective equipment is a hazard in the workplace because it can cause accidents and injuries. These hazardous machines include forklifts, overhead cranes, electric saws, and more.

Poor work practices are also a hazard in the workplace because they can lead to injuries or death. Some examples include workers not wearing safety gear or using unsafe tools or machinery.

Insufficient Signage 

There are many hazards in the workplace caused by the lack of signage. This is a problem because not all employees have the same understanding of what they should do when they encounter these hazards.

The lack of signage can be hazardous to employees, especially in a warehouse or factory where a lot of machinery and materials need to be moved around. The lack of signs can also confuse and make it difficult for people to find their way around the building.

Stressors 

Mental health stressors are not only a common hazard in the workplace but also one of the most prevalent causes of work-related injuries.

According to the American Psychological Association study, mental health issues cost employers $78 billion annually in lost productivity. This is because employees with mental health problems are more likely to miss work, take leave, and be absent from work due to illness or injury.

This is why employers must provide their employees with services that can help them manage their mental health and increase their productivity at work.