When it comes to your health and safety, nothing is more important. It’s for this reason that more and more businesses are paying attention to the possible workplace hazards that their employees may be subjected to regularly.
Knowing the dangers at hand is step number one when it comes to creating a safe work environment. From slippery stairs and industrial malfunctions to lack of blood-borne pathogen safety and proper lighting, here is everything you need to know about identifying and eliminating hazards in the workplace.
Not sure where to start? We’re here for you. Keep reading for everything you need to know about workplace hazards.
1. Physical Hazards
There are many different types of workplace hazards, but one of the most common and dangerous is physical hazards. Physical hazards can include things like trips and fall, and electrical hazards that can cause sometimes workplace injuries.
One of the best ways to prevent physical hazards is to have a safe and clean workplace. This means keeping your floors clean and dry, and free of clutter. It also means making sure that electrical cords and cables are properly secured and not running through high-traffic areas. Finally, it means being aware of any potential hazards and taking steps to protect yourself and your employees.
2. Biological Hazards
This variety of workplace hazards is classified as biological hazards from exposure to biological agents. This includes exposure to bacteria, viruses, molds, fungi, and other microorganisms.
These can cause infections, disease, or poisoning. And sometimes, they can also cause illness or death. These can be found in the air, water, soil, food, and on surfaces.
To protect workers from these hazards, it is important to use proper personal protective equipment, follow infection control procedures, and provide workers with information and training on how to prevent exposure to these hazards. This includes vaccinations, protective clothing such as PPE training, and good hygiene.
3. Chemical Hazards
There are many hazards in the workplace, but chemical hazards are some of the most dangerous that come from chemicals in the air, on the ground, or in products. Chemicals can cause burns, respiratory problems, and even death. They can cause serious health problems, including cancer.
There are ways to prevent chemical hazards and employers can provide proper ventilation and ensure that workers wear the right protection, such as gloves, masks, and eye protection. Workers can also be trained to handle chemicals safely and learn online PPE training by Osha PPE training, for instance.
Common Workplace Hazards and How to Prevent Them
Employers need to be aware of these hazards and take steps to prevent them. There are many types of workplace hazards, but being aware of them and taking precautions, can help reduce the risk of workplace accidents.
Understanding the various types of hazards and how to prevent them can create a safe and healthy work environment for employers. By taking some simple steps to identify and address these hazards, you protect your employees from injury and illness.
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