Top 10 Workplace Hazards (And How to Avoid Them)
Hazards in the workplace can lead to injuries and contentious legal battles, and being aware of the most common risks can help you to take steps to mitigate them in your organisation. Here, we’ll look at the most common workplace hazards and how you can protect your business against them.
Common Workplace Hazards You Should Know About
As an employer or manager, you’ll need to manage your workplace environment carefully to avoid potential hazards and protect your employees, members of the public and your business. The top 10 workplace hazards include:
- Slips, trips and falls. Slipping, tripping or falling in the workplace is very common and can lead to significant injuries. These types of accidents can be caused by wet floors, loose cables and uneven surfaces, and your health and safety policies should take these risks into account. It is important to ensure that signage is always used to highlight an area of a wet floor, for instance, and that cables are covered or removed from public areas.
- Manual handling injuries. Poor lifting technique can result in back injuries and musculoskeletal disorders, and this can be disastrous for individuals and for the businesses that have not provided adequate manual handling training. It is vital to have thorough health and safety policies regarding lifting and to ensure these are up to date so that all staff are fully briefed on how to avoid this type of injury.
- Fire safety hazards. There is always a risk of fire where electronic devices are used, and this includes most workplaces. Faulty wiring is a frequent cause of fire, and if your business uses flammable materials, this can also pose significant risks. You will need health and safety strategies for the safe storage of flammable materials, and should have a policy for regular checking of all electronic devices and machines to reduce the risk of faults leading to a fire. We offer a range of Fire and Emergency Response Courses.
- Chemical exposure. Handling hazardous materials without proper precautions can lead to serious health issues, and if your workplace is a high-risk environment that involves inevitable chemical exposure, you will need comprehensive policies to protect all employees who may be affected. Additional training should be provided for those who work with chemicals, and rigorous health and safety practices that protect your team are essential.
- Workplace equipment hazards. Machinery and tools can be dangerous if not used correctly, and specialist training should be given wherever necessary to protect those working with machines and equipment. All equipment used in the workplace must be routinely tested and monitored to ensure that it meets safety requirements and that faulty or worn equipment is replaced immediately.
- Electrical hazards. Unsafe electrical systems can cause severe injuries or fatalities, and these potential problems can be managed with a routine policy of checking electrical systems and ensuring that they are safe to use. It is important to show that you have taken every possible measure to protect your employees and your workplace, so clear policies that are well communicated to staff are essential.
- Workplace violence. Conflicts or aggression in the workplace can impact employee safety and morale, and this is a potential risk for all employees and you, as an employer who is responsible for the working environment. You will need to have full and comprehensive policies regarding acceptable behaviour and conduct, and training should be provided in this area. Action against workplace bullies must be taken quickly and effectively to protect your workplace culture and maintain team cohesion.
- Confined spaces. Working in tight spaces can lead to suffocation or toxic exposure, which can cause extreme injuries and death. Anyone working in confined spaces should have completed full and comprehensive training to ensure they are aware of all risks and know how to mitigate these to protect themselves and their colleagues.
- Ergonomic hazards. Poor workstation set up and repetitive movements can cause long-term health problems, and it is important to raise awareness of these issues within your team and take steps to mitigate them wherever you can. For instance, you may need to implement a system of regular breaks for all employees and to consider individual needs when you are designing working areas.
- Inadequate first aid provision. If you do not have the required first aid resources and training to treat minor injuries, you may find that your negligence in this area leads to worsened injury outcomes, which could be catastrophic for your employees and your business. You should have a comprehensive workplace first aid kit that is regularly checked and updated to ensure that all used items have been replaced and that all items are in date and in good condition.
Of course, the most important thing you can do to protect your personnel and your business is to ensure that all your staff receive thorough, high-quality training in health and safety. This will educate your employees on the potential risks in the workplace and make sure that they know how to protect themselves and others. You can explore our range of training courses online and find the best options for your team.
Health and Safety Compliance in Ireland
At ASM, our Health and Safety experts provide a comprehensive range of health and safety training courses, some of which can be adapted to suit the unique requirements of your business. We can provide Health and Safety Consultants and Safety Officers to fulfil essential roles in your organisation, offering safety audits, gap analysis, risk assessments and on-site training to drive up safety standards throughout your business.
We are experienced Health and Safety Consultants in Ireland, and we understand the importance of protecting your employees and the reputation of your business with impeccable health and safety standards. Our training courses include First Aid Training and Safe Pass Training, which can equip your employees to maintain best practice at all times, as well as specialised health and safety courses, including Working at Height, Working in Confined Spaces and Working with Chemicals, to protect those in high-risk roles. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you and your business.
