Creating a safe and healthy work environment is not just a legal obligation; it’s a critical factor in promoting employee well-being and operational efficiency. Accidents cause pain, human suffering as well as economical losses. Therefore one can argue that safety is not a cost, but an investment. Contractror that has a lot of accidents is not actually promoting their services very well either. High incident level can and should also raise questions about overall competence and quality of their work.
Various workplace hazards lurking in the workplace can compromise safety and health. By identifying and mitigating these risks, employers can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and illnesses. In this post, we’ll delve into some prevalent workplace hazards and offer practical strategies for mitigating them.
Slips, Trips, and Falls:
These incidents are leading causes of workplace injuries. They often occur due to wet floors, cluttered walkways, icy pavement, uneven surfaces, or insufficient lighting. To counteract these hazards:
- Maintain clean and dry floors, immediately address spills, and deploy warning signage.
- Keep walkways free of obstructions and clutter.
- During winter take care of sanding of the walkways and don’t forget the importance of anti slippery footwear, some shoes even have metal spikes.
- Ensure adequate lighting and rectify any issues with flooring or surface unevenness.
Winter creates additional challenges in Finland and other Nordic countries. It has been estimated that a single slipping incident can cost around 6000€ and in total economical costs of slipping incidents is whopping 1,4 Billion Euros for the society as a whole. Incidents that occur at workplaces is 200 million euros. One could purchase quite many pairs of shoes with metal spikes with the money, just saying.
Human errors
Most accidents are due to human error. This accounts for up to 80-90% of accidents. Perhaps the incident occurred as the person was not trained for the task and made a mistake due to the lack of knowledge and experience. Making sure that people are qualified for the task intended is one of the most important aspects of safety. Safety training can also ensure that personnel are aware of the rules, requirements and procedures.
As an example implementing a successful Hot work procedure has reduced hot work related fires significantly, in Sweden hot work fires have reduced even 80% since then. In Finland on the worst year, hot work caused nearly 40% of all the big fires that happened then. Nowadays this amount is around 2-3%. Hot work training is one of the most useful methods to make sure that people know what the procedure is all about. This same idea applies to all other safety related training as well.
Hazardous Substances
Work environments that use chemicals, solvents, or produce toxic fumes carry significant health risks if mishandled. To safeguard against hazardous substances:
- Offer comprehensive training on the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials.
- Equip the workplace with effective ventilation and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, goggles, and respirators.
- Establish protocols for spill control and emergency response.
Ergonomic Hazards
Poor ergonomic practices can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), such as back pain, repetitive strain injuries, and carpal tunnel syndrome. In some industries this has led to significant loss time due to sick leaves, not to mention loss of effectiveness due to lower ability to work.
To mitigate ergonomic hazards:
- Design and adjust workstations to suit various body types.
- Promote regular breaks and task rotation to minimize repetitive motions.
- Provide ergonomic tools like adjustable chairs, ergonomic keyboards, and footrests. Variety of work positions is good. We were not built to sit all day long being hunched over a desk.
Machinery and Equipment
Incorrect usage of machinery and equipment can lead to severe injuries, including crushing, lacerations, or amputations. To prevent machinery-related accidents:
- Conduct thorough training on proper machinery operation, maintenance, and safety procedures like lockout/tagout.
- Perform regular inspections and maintenance to detect and rectify potential hazards.
- Install protective guards and safety devices to restrict access to moving parts.
Electrical Hazards
Electrical risks can cause shocks, burns, or electrocution if not adequately controlled. To prevent electrical accidents:
- Ensure that electrical installations and maintenance are carried out by qualified professionals.
- Utilize ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in damp areas.
- Train employees on safe electrical practices, including avoiding outlet overloads and using insulated tools. Electrical safety training is statutory to people working in electrical facilities or near them. As an example in Finland this means that all the personne must attend Electrical safety training according to safety standard SFS 6002.
Conclusion
A proactive safety culture and employer commitment are essential for minimizing workplace hazards. Recognizing common risks and implementing strategic precautions can foster a safer environment, allowing employees to perform optimally without fear of harm. Remember, maintaining workplace safety is a collective responsibility; by collaborating, we ensure everyone’s safe return home at day’s end.
Ensure your workforce is not only protected but also informed. Investing in comprehensive safety training equips your team with the knowledge and skills to identify risks and take preventive measures, reinforcing a culture of safety. Contact us today to learn more about how our tailored safety training programs can help safeguard your employees and secure your business. Let’s make safety a priority together!
