Common Workplace Hazards and How to Control Them

Introduction

It is critical for employers to ensure safety within the workplace. A safe working environment not only protects employees physically but can also have added mental benefits such as increased productivity and morale. 

Therefore, it is important for an employer to identify and address common workplace hazards in order to maintain a safe and healthy workplace.

Not all hazards exist in all workplaces. Your particular workplace will lend itself to some hazards more than others. We have listed out 8 hazards to be aware of so you can better understand them and identify if they present themselves in your workplace.

Not only will we explore some of these most common workplace hazards, we will provide practical tips on how to control them so you can ensure your employees’ physical and mental well-being.

What Are Workplace Hazards?

To resolve a problem, we need to know what it is. Workplace hazards are sources of potential harm or damage to someone or something at work. It extends to material things, like chemicals, or activities, such as manual handling, that have a probability of causing injuries or damage. Employers must identify these hazards and eliminate them to prevent incidents within the workplace that harm their employees.

1. Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slips, trips, and falls are some of the most common workplace accidents. While they may sound minor, these accidents have the potential to result in serious injuries such as fractures, sprains, and head injuries. 

These incidents should be of concern to every employer because they can occur in any workplace environment, from offices to industrial sites.

Hazards:

• Wet or oily surfaces
• Uneven floors
• Loose mats or rugs
• Cluttered walkways
• Poor lighting

Control Measures:

• Keep floors clean and dry to prevent slips
• Use non-slip mats and proper signage for wet floors to alert employees
• Ensure all walkways and work areas are well-lit to improve visibility
• Maintain a clutter-free environment to avoid tripping hazards
• Regularly inspect and repair flooring issues to prevent accidents

2. Manual Handling and Ergonomic Hazards

Ergonomic hazards are activities that can put a strain on the body. In a severe case, they can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, which are one of the leading causes of work-related disability. These hazards are most common in jobs that involve repetitive motions, heavy lifting, or maintaining awkward postures for extended periods.

They are difficult to identify and eliminate because its effects are not always noticed, especially over a short time frame. Immediate sensations would include sore muscles in the days following the activity and repeated exposure to poor ergonomic practices can result in serious long-term illness.

Hazards:

• Lifting heavy loads
• Repetitive movements
• Poor posture
• Inadequate workstation design

Control measures:

• Provide training on proper lifting techniques to reduce strain.
• Use mechanical aids like trolleys and lifts to minimise manual handling.
• Design workstations to promote good posture, reducing the risk of injury.
• Encourage regular breaks to reduce repetitive strain and fatigue.
• Implement ergonomic assessments and adjustments to ensure a safe working environment.

3. Chemical Hazards

Chemical hazards exist when a worker is exposed to chemicals, whether solid, liquid or gas. These hazards are prevalent in various industries, particularly those involving manufacturing, laboratories, and cleaning. 

Chemical hazards may not pose a universal risk, especially in the case of the most common solutions. Some workers may not experience any harm, while more sensitive workers may experience illness, skin irritation or breathing problems.

On the other end of the scale, exposure to more hazardous substances can result in acute or chronic health effects, including respiratory issues, skin conditions, and chemical burns.

Hazards:

• Exposure to harmful substances
• Inhalation of fumes
• Skin contact with chemicals

Control measures:

• Properly label and store all chemicals to prevent accidental exposure.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, goggles, and masks to protect against chemical exposure.
• Ensure adequate ventilation in work areas to disperse harmful fumes.
• Provide training on handling and disposing of chemicals safely.
• Keep Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) accessible for reference in case of exposure.

4. Electrical Hazards

Electrical hazards pose significant risks in many workplaces, potentially leading to electrocution, burns, and fires. These hazards can stem from faulty equipment, improper wiring, or lack of maintenance.

Hazards:

• Faulty wiring
• Overloaded circuits
• Exposed electrical parts

Control measures:

• Regularly inspect and maintain electrical systems to ensure safety.
• Use qualified electricians for repairs and installations to prevent mishaps.
• Avoid overloading circuits and use surge protectors to manage electrical loads.
• Ensure that all electrical equipment is properly grounded to prevent shocks.
• Provide training on electrical safety to educate employees about potential risks.

5. Fire Hazards

The risk of fire exists within every workplace, however, some are at an increased risk due to the type of activity. These hazards are very serious and have the potential to cause significant damage and loss of life. Common fire hazards include flammable materials, faulty electrical equipment, and inadequate fire safety measures.

Hazards:

• Flammable materials
• Faulty electrical equipment
• Lack of fire safety measures

Control Measures:

• Install and maintain fire detection and suppression systems to quickly identify and control fires.
• Keep flammable materials stored safely away from ignition sources to reduce the risk of fire.
• Conduct regular fire drills and training to ensure employees know how to respond in an emergency.
• Ensure easy access to fire extinguishers and clearly mark emergency exits for quick evacuation.
• Create and communicate an emergency evacuation plan to prepare employees for potential fire incidents.

6. Noise Hazards

Exposure to high noise levels is a common issue in many industrial and construction environments. Prolonged exposure can lead to hearing loss and other health problems, making noise hazards a serious concern for employers.

Hazards:

• Exposure to loud machinery
• High noise levels over prolonged periods

Control measures:

• Implement engineering controls to reduce noise at the source, such as installing noise dampening materials.
• Provide hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs to employees working in noisy areas.
• Rotate tasks to limit time spent in noisy areas, reducing overall exposure.
• Conduct regular hearing tests for employees exposed to high noise levels to monitor their hearing health.

7. Psychosocial Hazards

Psychosocial hazards can have an adverse effect on your employees’ mental health. They include work-related stress, bullying, and harassment. 

These can have a profound impact on employee well-being and productivity. In the short-term, they can manifest in stress, but long-term exposure can result in a more severe strain.

The effects of these hazards can include mental health issues, absenteeism, and high turnover rates.

Hazards:

• Work-related stress
• Bullying and harassment
• Poor work-life balance

Control measures:

• Promote a supportive and inclusive work environment to foster positive relationships.
• Encourage open communication and provide support for employees experiencing stress or other psychosocial issues.
• Implement policies to address bullying and harassment to protect employees from such behaviours.
• Offer flexible work arrangements where possible to help employees maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Provide resources for mental health support, such as counselling services or employee assistance programs.

8. Biological Hazards

Biological hazards, such as exposure to bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, are common in healthcare, agriculture, and laboratory settings. These hazards can lead to infections and other serious health conditions.

Hazards:

• Exposure to bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens
• Contact with contaminated materials

Control measures:

• Implement proper hygiene practices and encourage regular handwashing to prevent the spread of pathogens.
• Provide appropriate PPE such as gloves and masks to protect against biological hazards.
• Ensure regular cleaning and disinfection of work areas to maintain a sanitary environment.
• Educate employees about infection control and prevention measures to reduce the risk of exposure.
• Have a clear protocol for dealing with exposure to biological hazards to ensure a quick and effective response.

Conclusion

Workplace hazards can pose significant risks to the health and safety of employees. If you neglect your duty to protect your employees, you can face fines and jail time in severe cases.

By identifying these hazards and implementing effective control strategies, employers can create a safer and more productive work environment. Remember, a proactive approach to workplace safety not only protects employees but also contributes to the overall success of the organisation through increased productivity and morale.