Each year in the US, there are 2.8 out of 100 workers encounter serious injuries on the job? Even the best job can’t be an assurance of perfect workplace safety
There are many different hazards that a person can encounter on the job, and many of them can be quite dangerous. Many workplace injuries can lead to long-term damage or even death.
Keeping track of the safety risks that are involved in your job can help you be prepared and prevent accidents.
Keep reading to learn all about various workplace hazards and how you can stay safe at work.
Gather Information About a Workplace Hazard
To identify a workplace hazard, one must first gather information about the potential hazard. This can be done by observing the work environment. This means talking to employees and reviewing safety records.
When you gather information about a workplace hazard, you are trying to identify the potential risks. By understanding the hazards, you can better protect yourself and your coworkers from potential injuries.
Additionally, identifying the hazard can help your employer take steps. That means they can mitigate the risk and make the workplace safer for everyone.
Identify Specific Potential Health Hazards
You must be able to identify potential health hazards in the workplace. These hazards can be physical, chemical, biological, or ergonomic risks.
Ergonomic Risks
When assessing ergonomic hazards in the workplace, it is important to consider the nature of the work being done and the workers doing it. Office workers are at risk for repetitive strain injuries from typing and mouse use. While factory workers may be at risk for back injuries from lifting heavy objects.
Hazardous Substances
Identify any areas where there may be potential for exposure to hazardous work environment substances. This could include areas where chemicals are used or contaminated surfaces.
Physical Hazards
To assess the physical hazards in your workplace safety, you need to first identify what they are. Some common job-related physical hazards include exposure to noise and exposure to heat or cold.
Biological Hazards
Biological hazards can come in many forms, some of which are infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. These agents can cause occupational diseases such as tuberculosis, legionnaires’ disease, and hepatitis.
Examine for Any Incident Report
When investigating, always examine any incident report that may be available. This report can give you valuable information on what has happened in the past and what to look for in the future. This includes looking for loose cables, slippery floors, or anything else that could pose a risk.
By investigating the report, you can determine if there are any trends or common themes that emerge.
Develop a Plan to Mitigate the Hazard
When developing a plan to mitigate a workplace hazard, it is important to consider the nature of the hazard and the potential risks it poses to employees. The plan should include measures to eliminate or reduce the hazard, as well as procedures for monitoring the hazard and responding to any incidents that occur.
You can also reduce the risk of injury by conducting training on personal protective equipment or by implementing safety procedures.
Keep Yourself Safe With Workplace Hazards
Working in a hazardous environment can be dangerous and it is important to take precautions to protect yourself. By following some simple safety tips, you can help keep yourself safe from workplace hazards. Be aware of your surroundings, wear the proper safety gear, and follow safety procedures to help reduce your risk of injury.
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