How to Rid Your Workplace of Hazards

Posted by Em parsons on March 24th, 2020

Hazards exist in every workplace. These are any aspects of work that have the potential to cause health and safety risks or even harm. There are many types of workplace hazards and they can fit in the following categories:

• Physical hazards such as exposure to moving parts, constant loud noise, extreme temperatures, etc.

• Ergonomic hazards include poor lighting, repetitive tasks, etc.

• Chemical hazards such as exposure to vapours and fumes.

• Biological hazards include bacteria and viruses, bloody fluids, and so on.

• Psychological hazards such as workplace stress and violence.

So, what can you do to eliminate workplace hazards?

Use Personal Protection

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for workplace safety. This may include gloves, steel cap boots, hard hats, earplugs or earmuffs, aprons, face masks, goggles, etc. Equipment may vary depending on the type of work. 

For instance, industrial workers need work gear that protects them from UV or fire hazards. This means sturdier fabrics that are also fire-resistant. Medical personnel need gear that will prevent them from bacterial contamination while allowing them to move comfortably. Food processing garments, on the other hand, should have a good antibacterial defence. 

While it's the employer's responsibility to provide the right PPE and show employees how to use them, workers must also make a point of wearing them appropriately. It's also important to check that the safety equipment is in good condition to ensure proper functionality.

Training

All staff need to be trained properly for their positions. The training should begin upon hiring, where the employee is introduced to occupational safety and health. Training then continues under the specific department where one will work. This includes teaching employees how to use the equipment, how to identify hazards, providing first aid training, providing supplemental training in body mechanics, and what safety protocols to take in the event of an accident, among other things. 

It's important to provide regular refresher training afterwards and also check whether everyone is applying the training appropriately. Untrained staff often contribute to accidents as they lack the skills and experience to handle even the most basic equipment. In addition to training, those who will be handling high-risk work must have the right licences to do such work.

Store Correctly

Effective housekeeping can help rid your workplace of hazards. This involves keeping every corner clean, clutter-free, and organised to ensure nothing is in the way that could cause harm. Proper storage is also just as important as StoreMasta demonstrates there are 9 classes of dangerous goods, each needing different safety containers. Failure to do so can lead to instances of being hit by falling objects, striking against poorly stacked or misplaced items, tripping over loose objects, cutting or puncturing parts of the body on projecting or sharp materials, and so on. Additionally, when liquids are not stored properly, they can be chemically poisonous or become serious fire hazards. Labels and signs are also a cheap and effective way to store hazardous material.

Work Practice Controls

Introducing appropriate control measures helps to eliminate or reduce the identified hazards. For starters, engineering controls are physical control measures that change the way workers do their jobs. Start by using mechanical aids such as trolleys, conveyor belt, crane, or a forklift for lifting and transportation. 

Administrative controls, on the other hand, address how the work is structured and establish safe work practices such as rotating employees to reduce exposure time to a hazard, using signs to warn people of any hazard and training employees on how to use machinery safely. Giving regular breaks can also help boost concentration and focus while avoiding burnout, as well as reduce the potential for repetitive motion injuries. When selecting and implementing work practice controls, take note of any new risks that may be introduced as a result.

Evacuation Space

In the workplace, you want to minimise the unfortunate event of an accident and make injuries preventable. It's important to designate primary and secondary evacuation routes and place fire blankets within reach to ensure safety from fires or other emergencies. Ensure evacuation spaces, including the fire escape and emergency exists, are clearly marked, well lit, unobstructed, and wide enough to fit people without any additional hazards. Be sure to post a copy of the building's layout to all staff, showing evacuation routes and exits.

Workplace hazards can cost your business lots of money in workers' compensation and legal process. Additionally, they can affect productivity due to low employee morale and increased absenteeism. Employees, on the other hand, are at risk of suffering severe injuries or illnesses that could lead to long-term disability or even death. Needless to say, creating a safe working environment is a collective responsibility.