Unsafe working conditions are still persistent issues in the United States. If your employer neglects worker safety, you may be exposed to health dangers when you report to the workplace.
In the private sector alone, the number of non-fatal workplace illnesses and injuries grew by 7.5%, reaching 2.8 million in 2022. These numbers highlight the importance of implementing and following safety practices at work.
Identifying the different types of workplace hazards
One crucial step of worker safety is identifying the different hazards at the workplace. By learning about them, you can help prevent costly injuries and fatal accidents.
- Safety hazards refer to unsafe work conditions that may cause illness, injury or death. Blocked corridors or slippery floors are examples of safety hazards at work. If you are working in raised areas, like on construction sites, you may sustain more severe injuries because of fall risks from scaffolds, ladders, or roofs.
- Ergonomic hazards are common in jobs involving physical overexertion, repeated movements and other conditions that put your body in unnatural positions. Heavy lifting and prolonged postures can contribute to this issue. The damage caused by these hazards may result in serious medical problems, such as musculoskeletal disorders.
- Biological hazards refer to materials or substances from people, plants, or animals that can harm your health. Examples of biological hazards include fecal matter, fungi, bacteria and blood.
- Workload hazards involve issues at work that could cause you stress or strain. Sexual harassment, demanding workload and workplace violence are common examples.
Training is critical when it comes to mitigating these workplace dangers. By developing an awareness of these risks, you can take precautions to protect yourself and your co-workers.
Help your company lower the rate of work-related injuries and fatalities
Learning these workplace issues not only benefits you as an employee but also helps your company. With a more informed staff and safety practices in place, businesses can:
- Boost productivity
- Prevent fatal accidents
- Avoid workers’ compensation claims
- Reduce absenteeism
Remember that your employer is responsible for informing and training you about workplace hazards. These processes are crucial to ensuring that your workplace is safe not only for clients and customers but for workers as well.
