Health and safety hazards in the workplace can be costly – not only to employee health, but to any company bank balance. Businesses will have to pay out if a personal injury claim is successful, ensuring that the injured party is well compensated, and whilst anyone who has experienced an accident in the office or factory will be comforted by financial reparation – nobody wants to be physically or mentally disadvantaged following an incident at work. Take a look around your place of work, are your employers doing everything they can to minimise risks?
Toxic substances
Do you work in an environment where you come into contact with potentially harmful substances? If so, make sure your company are taking all the necessary precautions to keep protected. Toxic substances come in the form of gas, fumes and dusts that are inhaled or gels, liquids and powders which come into contact with your skin or eyes. Necessary protection may include masks, gloves, goggles and overcoats.
Equipment and machinery
It is an employer’s responsibility to ensure that any use of equipment, power tools or machinery in the workplace is carefully monitored and the highest standards of safety are upheld. This means keeping staff well trained in the latest products, providing adequate warning signage and delivering regular maintenance and upgrades.
Fire safety
Most fires in the workplace are avoidable by taking the right precautionary action. Does the company for which you work have the correct equipment (such as fire extinguishers and sprinklers) to put out a fire should it arise? Are flammable substances and sources of ignition kept well away from each other? Is your work force well aware of the fire drill?
Electrical safety
Unsafe electrical appliances and systems can cause serious injury, fatalities and property damage; ensure that your workplace carries out frequent electricity checks, paying attention to cables, plugs, connectors and electricity sources.
Noise exposure
Hearing damage can be a serious grievance in the workplace, often occurring over a long period of time with employers not realising the harm they are causing staff until it’s too late. If the use of loud instruments and equipment is necessary in your workplace, ensure that the correct ear protection is being provided. Where possible always opt for quieter processes and limit the amount of time that one needs to spend working in noisy areas.