Sharon has 21+ years of experience as a qualified Emergency Care Nurse registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (APHRA) and 12+ years as a First Aid Trainer.
She takes pride in FirstAidPro making first aid training available, comprehensive and affordable to everybody.
In order to stay safe and productive at work, you need to be knowledgeable about the potential hazards that exist in your environment. There are many different types of hazards that you may encounter in your workplace, some of which can pose a risk to you or your co-workers.
There are many things that can
be a hazard in the workplace
Some workplaces have more dangers than others, but there is always some small risk of encountering workplace hazards regardless of where you work. Whether it’s chemicals, noise levels, heavy machinery or something else entirely, keeping yourself aware of these common work hazard can help you stay safe wherever you work.
Noise Hazards
Noise hazards are one of the more common workplace hazards. Whether it’s loud machinery, heavy construction, or constant noise from large crowds or heavy traffic, continuous high noise levels can cause long term health problems, including long term hearing impairment. This can happen quickly, or slowly over the course of time. So, if you work in an area with high noise levels or is subject to sudden noise changes, it’s important to make sure that you are wearing the right type of hearing protection in order to protect your hearing. Some common types of hearing protection include earmuffs, earplugs and headphones. Noise hazards can also affect your ability to concentrate and cause stress, which can have a negative impact on your overall health.
Chemical Hazards
Chemicals are a critical part of many industries, with cleaning, healthcare and manufacturing being perfect examples. Some industrial chemicals are also quite dangerous. If you work in a job that involves working with chemicals, you may have to wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles or a face shield, and a respirator. If you don’t normally work with chemicals, you may be unfamiliar with the risks. It’s important to always follow the proper handling procedures when dealing with chemicals, even something as simple as cleaning products. Always be aware of the potential workplace hazards associated with working with chemicals, even if you don’t come into direct contact with them.
Falls And Slip Hazards
Falls are one of the most common workplace hazards; Falls can result in anything from a sprained ankle to a broken leg. Slips are another common fall hazard that can be just as dangerous. Even if you don’t work in a particularly high-risk industry, you may be at risk of falling or slipping. Some workplaces have more risks associated with falls and slips than others. It’s important to be aware of the potential hazards in your workplace so that you can take the necessary precautions to stay safe.
There are many different types of fall protection gear, including harnesses and fall arrest systems. Always follow the proper procedures for using fall protection equipment and maintain it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If someone does fall, they may need First Aid; this includes bandaging wounds, caring for swelling limbs or caring for head injuries. In many workplaces it’s mandatory for some (or even all) of the staff to have professional first aid training. But whether this is the case or not, it’s a great idea to invest a day in getting your first aid certificate to protect yourself and those around you.
Heavy Equipment Hazards
Many workplace hazards are based around being in contact with or close to something dangerous. However, the risks associated with heavy equipment and machinery hazards are a bit harder to predict. Heavy machinery often moves around the workplace (often quite quickly), or can malfunction in a way that involves heavy falling objects, or fast moving projectiles. If you work in construction or with any heavy machinery, you may be at risk of a heavy equipment related disaster. Some heavy equipment workplace hazards include poor machine maintenance, an unbalanced load, or incorrect machine usage. If you notice any issues with the equipment you are using, you should report it to your manager so that it can be addressed as quickly as possible.
Fire Safety Hazards
Many workplace injuries are the result of poor fire safety practices. Fire hazards can be reduced by following proper safety protocols when operating machinery or handling chemicals. It is also important to make sure adequate safety equipment (such as fire extinguishers and fire blankets) are easily available. Many workplaces also have specific fire safety protocols in place, such as evacuation procedures. Make sure that you know where the fire equipment, alarms and exits are in your workplace.
Bottom Line On Workplace Hazards
Be sure to stay safe around your workplace. Make sure to communicate with your co-workers about any hazards that can present themselves in your workplace. Stay mindful of your surroundings, and don’t get so caught up in your work that you get distracted and miss any warnings that might keep you safe.
It is also important to speak up if you feel like your workplace is unsafe. If you suspect that something needs to be fixed, don’t be afraid to say something. Keep in mind that common workplace hazards are easy to spot and can be resolved quickly if managed right away. With the right precautions and a little common sense, you can avoid most of these hazards.
If the worst case happens and someone does suffer an injury from a workplace hazard, This is when First Aid skills really matter. Getting First Aid training is the best way to prepare for workplace hazards becoming accidents. It only takes a day, there’s generally a venue close to you, and it costs less than a tank of petrol does nowadays. Make sure you’re ready for the worst case scenario, rather than looking back and wishing you’d been more prepared.
