Common Workplace Safety Hazards
Workplace safety is important. It’s not something that is commonly talked about, but accidents at work do happen often and can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities.
When you think of safety hazards in the workplace, you may think of physical injuries caused by slippery floors and machinery accidents. While these are common hazards, there’s a lot more than this to keep in mind. Responsibility for a safe workplace falls on everyone. Whether you are an employer or employee, here are some common workplace safety hazards you should know about.
Ergonomics
Slips, trips, and falls account for the majority of in-office injuries. Among the hazards are exposed extension cords or workers standing on a chair or desk to grab items. Ergonomics also applies to efficiency and comfort, so you may see it in the context of how your desk, chair, and other office supplies are situated.
Other possible ergonomic hazards in an office include the following:
- Poor posture
- Repetitive motion
- Eye strain
- Stress
- Insufficient breaks
Illnesses
Airborne illness is common in the workplace and it spreads quickly. Employers should focus on limiting the spread of COVID-19 and influenza viruses. This means encouraging sick workers to stay home. Illness can spread through the following:
- Bodily fluids
- Animal droppings
- Insect bites
- Fungi
- Mold
Noise Levels
Excessive noise levels are not only distracting but also legitimate health risks. Noisy work areas can cause headaches, migraines, and even hearing loss. These risks can be mitigated by allowing employees to wear headphones to drown out the noise. Placing loud office equipment outside of the work area can also be helpful.
Lighting
Appropriate office lighting is more important than you may think. Lighting affects a person both physically and mentally. Low lighting can cause eye strain and overtax the eye’s muscles, while excessive lighting can cause long-term vision impairment. Proper lighting prevents vision issues.
To prevent eye strain, employees should:
- Use proper eyewear.
- Limit screen time.
- Take adequate breaks.
Air Quality
Air quality is not often talked about in the context of the workplace, but it is important. Poor ventilation can mean exposure to contaminated air, which can lead to asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory problems. Many aspects of the workplace can affect an office’s air quality, including outside air, mold, spills, waste, and food.
Regular cleaning and proper airflow can help with ventilation. This will keep the office clean and workers healthy.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Work-related accidents can stem from a wide variety of causes. Even office environments are not always as safe as workers think.
If you have been injured at work, make sure you take the proper steps. Get the help you need from a Morristown work-related accident attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff. We understand how stressful it can be to deal with the consequences of serious injuries. Schedule a free consultation today by calling (973) 455-1567 or filling out the online form.
Source:
techtarget.com/whatis/feature/Top-workplace-safety-concerns
