Workplace hazards are an inevitable part of any job. All employees, from office personnel to construction workers and lab technicians, are at risk of these hazards. Ignoring them can lead to accidents and incapacitate employees for life.
So, recognizing hazards and having a workplace safety checklist is crucial for effectively preventing accidents, reducing the rate of injuries, and keeping a happy workforce. Here is a closer look at the top causes of workplace injuries and strategies you can use to mitigate them.
Physical Hazards
Physical hazards refer to any sources of danger that can physically harm the employees. Here are the most common physical workplace hazards.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
In 2020, over 18% of nonfatal work injuries resulted from slips, trips, and falls. These injuries can occur from slippery floors, uneven surfaces, obstructed walkways, or poor lighting conditions.
Mitigation Strategies
To mitigate these hazards, employers must:
- Provide necessary signage
- Prioritize regular cleaning and floor maintenance
- Provide proper flooring and non-slip mats in high-risk areas
Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) such as tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome are the largest single cause of workplace illnesses, accounting for 33% of occupational injuries worldwide. The primary causes of these workplace hazards are repetitive movements, bad posture, and physical strains.
Mitigation Strategies
Preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders is possible if employers:
- Provide ergonomic assessments and training
- Encourage employees to take regular breaks and perform stretching exercises
- Provide appropriate equipment, such as comfortable chairs and ergonomic keyboards
Fire Hazards
Fire hazards are one of the most dangerous workplace risks. They can result from faulty wiring, combustible materials, or a simple malfunction in the equipment, leading to severe injuries and even death.
Mitigation Strategies
Employers must have a workplace safety checklist for fire hazards and:
- Provide fire extinguishers
- Install smoke detectors and sprinklers
- Conduct regular safety inspections and fire drills
- Develop fire safety protocols and evacuation plans
Chemical Hazards
Another group of fatal workplace hazards is chemical threats. Laboratory personnel and those in the oil and gas industry are exposed to chemical materials daily. Improper handling or storage of these hazardous substances can lead to chemical burns, eye injuries, and even neurological disorders.
Mitigation Strategies
Employers who want to prevent chemical injuries and reduce workers’ comp claims must:
- Ensure proper storage and labeling of chemicals
- Provide employees with personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Regularly inspect chemicals to ensure they’re not damaged or expired
- Train employees on chemical safety and proper handling and storage of chemical substances.
Biological Hazards
Biological hazards refer to harmful living agents like fungi, viruses, and bacteria that can cause health problems in exposed employees. Here are the most common workplace hazards in this group.
Infectious Diseases
Over 26 million Americans work in occupations that expose them to infections at least once a month. These infectious diseases may include anything from the common cold to the flu and COVID-19. They spread quickly through close contact with infected individuals and contaminated surfaces.
Mitigation Strategies
Employers can use the following workplace safety checklist to prevent the spread of infections:
- Encourage employees to stay home if they’re sick
- Educate employees on proper hygiene practices like handwashing
- Emphasize the importance of wearing personal protective equipment at work
- Reduce the risk of infections by providing vaccinations and immunizations like flu shots
Bacterial and Fungal Contamination
Another group of biological workplace hazards involves microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. These pathogens can spread through food and water. They contaminate more people in workplaces with inadequate cleaning protocols and poor air quality.
Mitigation Strategies
Employers can use these tips to mitigate the risk of these biological hazards:
- Provide proper training on food safety
- Educate workers on correct handwashing techniques
- Regularly inspect food and water sources to ensure they’re free of contaminants
Insect Stings and Animal Bites
Those who work outdoors, like people in the agriculture industry, are exposed to insect stings and animal bites. These biological workplace hazards can lead to dangerous illnesses such as rabies and Lyme disease.
Mitigation Strategies
The workplace safety checklist employers can use to tackle these threats includes:
- Hire professional pest control services
- Implement appropriate waste management practices
- Seal entry points and provide proper screens to prevent insects from entering the workplace
Psychological Hazards
Psychological hazards in the workplace refer to detrimental factors that can negatively impact an employee’s mental health, leading to reduced productivity and higher absenteeism. Here are the most common psychological workplace hazards.
Occupational Stress
Excessive workloads in high-pressure work environments like offices can lead to occupational stress. This stress affects 83% of US workers. Without proper management, it can cause burnout, anxiety, and even depression.
Mitigation Strategies
To mitigate work-related stress, employers can:
- Encourage open communication
- Hold stress management workshops
- Assist employees in coping with their stress
- Implement health practices that can lead to happier workers
- Provide support systems, such as employee assistance programs
Workplace Violence and Bullying
Bullying is not something that stops after high school. Studies show that workplace bullying is on the rise and can have severe consequences on employees’ mental health and create a hostile work environment.
Mitigation Strategies
To address this workplace hazard and create a respectful environment, employers must have a workplace safety checklist like the one below:
- Offer training on conflict resolution
- Promote a zero-tolerance approach
- Encourage employees to report bullying incidents
- Regularly check the work environment for potential risks
- Establish clear policies against workplace violence and bullying
Work-Life Imbalance
Long work hours and tight schedules will leave employees no room to pursue personal goals. A lack of balance between work and personal life can increase stress levels, lead to mental health issues, and create a negative attitude in employees toward work.
Mitigation Strategies
Work-life imbalance is one of the workplace hazards employers can effectively address if they:
- Offer flexible work schedules
- Rely on The Science of More UpTime™
- Encourage employees to take more breaks
- Offer telecommute options and parental leave policies
Technological Hazards
Lastly, technological hazards are potential threats workers in specific industries like construction, utilities, and manufacturing face. Here are the most common technological hazards in the workplace.
Electrical and Machinery Hazards
Electrical and machinery hazards can arise from faulty wiring, damaged equipment, or improper use. These workplace hazards can cause deadly accidents and affect hundreds of workers simultaneously.
Mitigation Strategies
Employers who wish to avoid electrical and machinery hazards should have a workplace safety checklist like this one:
- Provide proper training for employees
- Provide the necessary personal protective equipment
- Conduct regular equipment inspections and maintenance
Mitigate Workplace Hazards With BIOKINETIX
By understanding these occupational hazards and having a workplace safety checklist, you can easily avoid injuries, reduce potential liabilities, and enhance productivity in your organization.
However, recognizing these risks is a difficult task. You need professional help to identify them. BIOKINETIX is here to help you do just that.
Our expert ergonomists and injury prevention teams can assess your work environment and identify occupational threats. With our strategic services, you can learn how to tackle these workplace hazards before they cause a problem.
Schedule a demo today to see how BIOKINETIX can create a safer, more profitable work environment for you and your employees.
