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Safety Hazards In The Work Place

Principal Author / Publisher:Safetyhow Admin
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Safety hazards permeate the workplace, although they are sometimes imperceptible. Even office environments can pose health and safety risks. OSHA, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, says employees have the right to feel safe at work, and employers are required to take responsible, appropriate actions to manage safety risks. By identifying hazards, employers can eliminate the risks they pose to employees. This will reduce the number of incidents, injuries, accidents or fatalities in the workplace.

Electrical Hazards
A March 2008 article in Environment, Health and Safety Today says that electrical equipment and wires are safety hazards in the workplace because of their potential to overheat, cause fires or electrocute people who misuse or mishandle them. Employers can respond to electrical hazards by eliminating the exposure of wires and cords, repairing damaged wires and cords and making sure employees are not mishandling electrical equipment. Additionally, some employers ban electrical items, such as space heaters and electrical burners, from the premises.

Slipping and Falling
Slipping and falling hazards, according to OSHA, result in a large portion of injuries in the workplace. Whether they're in an office or at a construction site, employers must beware of these hazards. In the office, slippery or wet surfaces in common areas, such as restrooms and break rooms, can cause injuries. At construction sites, unguarded platforms or non-stationary beams can be dangerous and pose a slip-and-fall hazard.

Chemical Hazards
According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, chemicals in the workplace can be hazardous if digested, inhaled or injected, or if there is direct skin contact. In the workplace, chemicals may be stored and used for a number of reasons. Some places use chemicals as part of their jobs, such as research centers or hospitals. Others, such as banks, use them only for housecleaning. Either way, employers should implement proper safety measures when storing chemicals in locked cabinets, and educate staff about what to do in an adverse encounter with chemicals.

Bloodborne Pathogens
Bloodborne pathogens constitute a hazard because of the effects they can have on employees exposed to the blood or other bodily fluids. Through the exposure of blood, employees can spread diseases and make others sick. OSHA explains that making sure employees have First Aid training and are educated about how to respond to blood or bodily fluids in the workplace reduces the exposure and impact of bloodborne pathogens.

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