Everyone should feel safe at work. Since the majority of your waking day is likely spent at work, it is important that your place of work not only feels safe, but is safe. No matter what your role is, there are certainly things in your work life that can be dangerous or harmful to you. While there may be some jobs that are inherently more dangerous than others, you will be surprised what could be hazardous to you at work. Learn more about how-to identify workplace hazards.
How-to Identify Workplace Hazards: Safety While at Work
Slippery Surfaces and Tripping Hazards
Slips, trips and falls are common, yet avoidable, workplace hazards. Wet floors from spills or recent mopping can cause employees or customers to slip. Ice or snow in the parking lot are also dangerous, and can lead to water being tracked inside too. There should be a proper plan in place to clear and de-ice parking lots and sidewalks. If someone tracks in water, it can make the floors slippery or wet. Make sure to clean up the wet areas immediately and put out a cautionary sign. Skid-proof mats are also helpful in these situations as well.
Tuck away or hide any cords or cables that run across the floor. Also, make sure to keep aisles or walkways clear. These steps will help prevent someone from tripping or falling.
Ergonomics
In order to avoid hurting yourself at work, be mindful or proper ergonomics. Employees should be provided with the proper adjustable equipment, including desks and chairs. By using properly adjusted equipment, you will be avoiding one of the most common workplace hazards.
Make sure to adjust your chair so that your feet are firmly on the ground. Sit up straight, adjusting the chair to provide firm back support. Use an adjustable keyboard tray to position your keyboard and mouse at a comfortable height. This will usually be lower than the desk surface. Then, place your mouse next to the keyboard, and keep it as close as possible to your body, to avoid reaching.
Air Quality
Another one of the workplace hazards that can be easily avoided is properly regulating the air quality. There are many ways to address this. For example, proper maintenance, cleaning and filtration of the ventilation, heating and air conditioning system will go a long way. Making sure dust and polled is removed from carpets will help to remove allergens from the building. Prevent mold by addressing any areas with extra moisture and humidity. Also, make sure to store and contain all chemicals so that the fumes can not get into the air.
Whether you are a factory worker or have a desk job, there can be workplace hazards that you should be aware of. By being mindful of these things, your workplace will be a much safer place to be. Keep an eye out for these hazards. You can contribute by making sure not to put things in walkways or wiping your wet feet off before you come inside. However, for other issues, make sure to tell the appropriate person so they can take care of the hazard before anyone gets hurt.