The Most Common Deadly Workplace Hazards

The most common deadly workplace hazards (and how to manage them).

An accident, by definition, is something that happens unintentionally. No matter what the industry, there are workplace hazards that can seriously injure or even kill workers and other occupants. Workplace hazards can have a significant impact upon the workplace for workers as well as the company image and productivity.  

Types of Workplace Hazards

The most common causes of workplace accidents and incidents fall into these categories: 

Safety Hazards: Unsafe conditions that can cause injury or even death such as: spillage, tripping on equipment, working from unsafe heights, unguarded machinery, faulty electrical components, and confined spaces. 

Physical Hazards: These include any factors that can harm workers even without contact or consumption such as loud noises, extreme cold or heat and exposure to excessive UV rays and/or radiation. 

Biological Hazards: This is associated with animals, people, and plants. Bodily fluids, fungi, mold, viruses, insect bites, and animal droppings fall under this category.  

Chemical Hazards: The exposure to chemicals during preparation or general handling. Examples include any industrial-grade cleaning solution, paint, acids, and other flammable liquid or gas. 

Ergonomic Hazards: These are strains placed upon our body brought about by working conditions. Most common instances are during manual heavy lifting, excessive vibration from machinery/equipment and even improperly adjusted workstations.  

Organisational Hazards: Simply interpreted as workplace stressors. This can include workloads, deadlines, stressful interactions with fellow staff (harassment/ bullying) and workplace violence.  

What you can do to manage Workplace Hazards:

Although some hazards are less likely to happen in some workspaces than others, it’s important to assess hazards and the associated risks from them to your business and your workers. No workplace is completely hazard-free and eliminating or minimizing workplace hazards can be a costly endeavor for business owners, but it is a worthwhile investment. Fewer hazards can lead to reduced absenteeism associated with work-related illness, injury, and stress. 

In following AS3745-2010: Planning for Emergencies in Facilities, the intent is to ensure that all facilities and workplaces meet safety requirements, not only for the protection of the property but more importantly, its workers and occupants.  

Putting safety at the forefront, and by conducting effective risk assessments of the workplace you are then able to consider the hierarchy of control measures to determine the best approach to managing the identified hazards. Here are some suggested simple ways to manage and reduce the probability of having workplace hazards and their affect: 

• Keep Workspaces Clean 

Most people don’t think of cleanliness as a deterrent to accidents, however workplace order actually does reduce the chance of injury. A cluttered, unclean work area is more difficult to efficiently maneuver in and workers are more prone to accidents. Make sure staff adhere to something as simple as running computer cables and cords properly so that they don’t create a tripping hazard and keep walkways and thoroughfares clear and tidy. 

• Display Proper Signage 

Employers should post signs and proper diagrams reminding employees of proper safety procedures in noticeable places and in spaces where those specific procedures should be practiced. 

• Report Dangers and Accidents 

Most employees know that they should report an actual accident but it’s important that employers encourage their staff to bring any foreseeable danger to management’s attention. 

• Provide Proper Training 

All staff need to be properly trained for their position. This includes teaching them how to use equipment and follow safety procedures during their course of work. Emergency Management providers are equipped with skills and various training portfolios to cater to various industries in terms of workplace and staff safety.  Afterward, regular refresher training is necessary. 

You’re not alone!

Workplace Emergency Management consultants provide training that is thoroughly researched and improved over time, delivered by experienced and knowledgeable trainers, and compliant with all current regulations and legislation. We put together a training package that considers the size of your facility, the number of occupants, and the individual requirements of your workplace. 

The happier, safer, and healthier your employees are, the more productive and efficient they can be at work. After all, the employees are the lifeblood of any business. 

We have our friendly staff waiting should you need further information on the services and training we offer. Give us a call on 02 8883 1694 or email us and get your free quote today!