Working in any environment comes with its own share of risks and hazards. But, some workplaces come with a greater risk than others. An important first step in any safety protocol is thoroughly evaluating the safety hazards of all potential environments and machinery.

This will help identify potential risks and hazards to mitigate or eliminate them. Furthermore, you should properly train employees to work safely in their respective environments. And finally, you should conduct regular safety audits to ensure that all safety protocols are being followed.

Below are 4 workplace safety hazards that you should be aware of:

Physical hazards

Many potential physical hazards can exist in the workplace. Some of the most common include:

Slips, trips and falls. These hazards are common causes of construction accidents and can often be found in workplaces with a lot of foot traffic, such as retail stores or restaurants. Employees can help prevent these accidents by keeping the floors clean and free of clutter.

Manual handling injuries. These injuries often occur when employees are lifting or carrying heavy objects. To avoid these injuries, employers should provide employees with proper training on lifting objects safely and ensure enough staff is available to help with lifting tasks when needed.

Machinery accidents. These accidents can occur when workers are using machinery that is not properly maintained or operated correctly.

An employer should not dismiss an employee on the grounds of misconduct if the employer has failed to follow a fair procedure in investigating the allegation of misbehavior. This is because relying upon an accusation that has not been properly investigated or tested would be unfair.

Chemical hazards

There are a variety of workplace safety hazards that can present themselves in the form of chemicals. Some of these include:

Acids and bases: These can cause burns, respiratory problems, and other health issues if they come into contact with your skin or are inhaled.

Flammable liquids can easily catch fire, leading to serious injuries or even death.

Toxic substances can cause various health problems, ranging from minor skin irritation to death.

It’s critical to be aware of these risks and take precautions to keep yourself safe. This includes wearing proper protective clothing, using appropriate ventilation, and avoiding contact with chemicals whenever possible.

Electrical Hazards

There are many potential electrical hazards in the workplace. The top 5 are listed here:

Unsafe wiring. Faulty or outdated wiring is a major fire hazard. Ensure all electrical systems in your workplace are up to code and in good repair.

Overloaded circuits. When circuits are overloaded, they can overheat and cause a fire. Be sure to never overload outlets or extension cords.

Exposure to live wires. Never touch or attempt to repair live electrical wires. This can be extremely dangerous, even fatal. Always shut off the power before attempting any repairs.

Damaged cords and plugs. If cords or plugs are damaged, they can create a shock hazard. Inspect all electrical cords and plugs regularly for damage and replace them if necessary.

Improper use of extension cords. Always use extension cords with the proper electrical load. Overloaded extension cords can overheat and catch fire. Extension cords should also be placed out of the way, so they are not tripped.

Psychological hazards

Everyday work activities can present a variety of hazards, including psychological hazards. Psychological hazards are conditions or situations that can cause harm to a person’s mental state. Some examples of psychological hazards include exposure to violence, harassment, and bullying.

Psychological hazards can hurt a person’s physical health as well as their mental health. Studies have shown that exposure to psychological hazards can increase stress levels, anxiety, and depression. Sometimes, it can also lead to more serious mental health problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Employers need to be aware of the potential for psychological hazards in the workplace and take steps to address them. Contact an experienced attorney to handle your case to get your rightful compensation.

Conclusion

Workplace safety hazards come in many forms. Some are obvious, like slippery floors and heavy machinery. Others are less obvious, like ergonomic risks and mental health hazards. You should be aware of your rights. Contact a personal injury lawyer to help you out in the process.