There are approximately 2.6 million nonfatal workplace accidents and injuries every year in the United States. Workplace hazards span every industry and every work environment. Knowing what the common work hazards are can help employers work to prevent them or at least lower the risk of injury. Knowledge and training, combined with safety equipment, lead to a safer workplace for everyone.
1. Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls are safety hazards common in every industry and nearly every environment. However, some industries make slips and falls more likely or more dangerous. Tripping in an office hallway may end with some bruises and a sprained ankle, while falling off of scaffolding on a construction site is more likely to have more drastic consequences.
Risk Factors
Slippery or wet floors, uneven surfaces, clutter, poor lighting, and loose cables or cords are all common causes of slips, trips, and falls in any workplace. Fall-related workplace hazards, especially in industrial settings, include a lack of training, improper use of ladders, incorrect ladder and scaffolding setup, and a lack of guide rails.
Prevention
Fall prevention strategies are prime examples of workplace safety procedures. Ensuring walkways are clear of clutter and potential tripping hazards is an easy way to limit the risk of trips and slips. Proper signage indicating wet floors or uneven surfaces, combined with good lighting, can help employees identify and avoid hazards. When heights are involved, regularly inspecting and maintaining equipment such as ladders, scaffolding, and harnesses is crucial.
2. Chemical Hazards
Exposure to harmful chemicals is a work hazard that causes close to one million injuries or fatal incidents each year. This includes exposure to cleaning supplies, pesticides, fumes from paint and other materials, vehicle and machine exhaust, and potentially asbestos and lead. Harmful chemicals can result in respiratory issues, including asthma, chemical burns, and damage to other parts of the body. Any workplace is at risk for exposure to potentially dangerous chemicals. Proper training and awareness are key to limiting the number of workplace hazards.
Prevention
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates hazard communications, including classification, proper labeling, the use of safety data sheets, and employee training for any hazardous chemicals on site. Ensuring proper handling and storage, in alignment with manufacturer guidelines, helps protect all employees. The use of proper personal protective equipment when handling hazardous materials is necessary. Employers can use industrial curtains to contain fumes and direct airflow, limiting airborne exposure to chemicals.
3. Fire Risks
Fire can be an extreme workplace hazard, causing significant property damage, injury, and fatalities. Fire in the workplace can be caused by improper storage of flammable materials, electric issues including overloaded circuits and faulty or damaged wiring, poor ventilation, or machine and equipment failures. Fire can spread faster and cause more damage when there is combustible material or clutter, poor airflow, and faulty fire detection and suppression systems.
Proper storage and handling of all chemicals and flammable liquids, combined with frequent inspection and maintenance of electric systems and machinery, can lower the risk of fire becoming a work hazard. Ensuring fire detection and suppression systems are installed and tested, and having easily visible fire equipment such as hoses and extinguishers, can limit the harm and damage from a fire.
4. Noise Concerns
Noise is an often overlooked workplace hazard. However, 22 million workers in the United States are exposed to harmful noise levels each year. OSHA has specific regulations for noise exposure. Constant exposure to loud noises can cause permanent hearing loss.
Risks
All environments are at risk when it comes to excessive noise. Any noise levels over 85 decibels can cause hearing loss. In the food industry, even a crowded and noisy restaurant can be loud enough to cause harm with repeated exposure. Industrial sites, manufacturing facilities, and construction sites are all at a higher risk for noise-related work hazards due to heavy machinery, power tools, vehicles, and other noises.
Prevention
PPE can assist in limiting noise exposure, but the best way to address noise concerns is with soundproofing systems. Singer Safety Company’s soundproofing systems include acoustic paneling, acoustic foams, and ceiling baffles that can muffle excessive noise and redirect sound to protect employees.
5. Psychological and Mental Health Hazards
One of the most overlooked work hazards is not a physical one. Psychological health concerns can become critical safety hazards in the workplace. Stress, burnout, and exhaustion can lead to lower cognitive function and lapse in judgment, which can lead to mistakes being made and the safety of employees jeopardized – especially in more dangerous industries and around heavy equipment. Bullying, workplace violence, and harassment can also have major impacts on team cohesion and trust.
Any physiological hazards in the workplace can negatively impact productivity, employee retention, and business reputation and potentially lead to legal or financial consequences.
Creating a Safe Workplace
Proper training is critical in limiting workplace violence and mental health work hazards. Employee onboarding should include reviewing company policies in relation to harassment and bullying. Open communication is critical in preventing issues from becoming much larger problems. Ensuring employees take adequate breaks is key to avoiding employee burnout as well.
Singer Safety Company Helps Prevent Hazards
Soundproofing, strategically placed industrial curtains, welding shields, and fire equipment are all examples of workplace safety gear that Singer Safety offers. Singer Safety understands the need for a safe working environment. We manufacture various industrial and workplace safety equipment to take workplace safety to the next level. Our Sound Stopper Noise Control Systems help lessen the sound levels in facilities. Industrial curtains can be installed to create airflow, block fumes and chemicals, and offer various types of protection. We are the workplace safety equipment experts. Contact us to discuss your needs today!
