7 Workplace Hazards You Want to Avoid

Lizzie Weakley

March 18, 2016

	Not rated
	Rate:

One of the top responsibilities of a business is to provide a safe working environment for employees. Not doing so is both immoral and illegal. With this in mind, management needs to be constantly on the lookout for threats so they can be removed before serious accidents happen. Below are seven workplace hazards you must avoid.

1. Electrical Hazards

Any time a live wire is exposed, it poses a serious threat to people. If they don’t come in direct contact with the wire, someone could still be electrocuted by touching a conducting material near the wire such as metal or water.

2. Slips and Falls

Slips and falls are a very common source of work place injuries. Make sure the floor is not slick anywhere in your facilities and put up warning signs if the floor needs to dry. Proper railing should be installed around any elevated area.

3. Fire

Fire can destroy buildings and kill people. You must be constantly on the lookout for fire hazards. Flammable materials must not be stored in a way that is conductive to starting a fire. The electrical system of buildings must be well maintained, and the fire alarm system must be tested regularly.

4. OSHA Violations

The Occupational Safety and Health Organization, or OSHA for short, is the government agency that sets safety rules for workplaces. You must make sure your employees are trained on how to conform to OSHA standards. Using an organization like National Environmental Trainers to train your employees on how to safely remove dangerous materials may be needed.

5. Repetitive Motion Injuries

If employees have to perform the same physical action in the same position over and over again, it can lead to physical disabilities like carpal tunnel syndrome. Make sure employee tasks are varied enough to avoid these kinds of injuries.

6. Asbestos

In decades past, asbestos was used as a form of cheap insulation. That was before it became common knowledge that inhaling asbestos can cause debilitating diseases like mesothelioma. Make sure any asbestos has been safely removed from all older buildings.

7. Chemical Hazards

Many chemicals used in production processes are harmful to humans. They can irritate the skin, blind and even kill. Make sure employees are protected from such chemicals at all times by sealing certain equipment and providing protective gear.

Creating a safe work environment takes a lot of planning and due diligence. Despite the work that is required, it is always worth it to make sure your employees remain safe while on the job.