Some common workplace hazards
Within different settings, there are different hazards that pose a threat to employees’ wellbeing, e.g., in the office, the most common accident is falling. Falls account for the greatest number of disabling injuries. They result in the most severe injuries and the highest percentage of lost workdays due to such injuries.
Falls from chairs occur when workers lean back to tilt their chairs, place their feet on a desk, sit down without looking, and rise from or move around in a chair. Falls on stairs also occur. Slips, trips and falls can result from poor housekeeping such as wet surfaces, electrical cords improperly placed and walkways obstructed by garbage. Falls also occur when workers stand on chairs or other office furniture to reach elevated objects.
Injuries from strain and overexertion frequently occur when office workers attempt to move or improperly lift heavy objects. Office workers sustain muscular and back injuries by carrying or moving books, office furniture, equipment and supplies without assistance.
Office workers are also injured when struck by objects, e.g., file drawers may fall from the cabinet when pulled too far. Similarly, injuries occur when workers strike objects. Employees bump into doors and desks. File cabinets accidentally left open are a common source of injury.
Infectious cuts are caused by sharp objects normally found in office environments, such as staples and pens. Fingers can get caught under the knife edge of a paper cutter.
Electrical appliances such as coffee makers, radios and lamps can become sources of fire or electrical shock.
How to reduce workplace hazards…
To prevent these commonplace accidents, the following can be considered:
- Arranging electrical extension cords to avoid tripping hazards.
- Installing proper receptacles.
- Appliances should be equipped with electrical plugs that have a ground prong, or the appliance should be marked “double insulated” by the manufacturer.
- Placing signs to indicate wet surfaces.
In many industries including manufacturing, mining, construction and agriculture, machines are commonplace, and can be dangerous to workers. Many machines involve moving parts, sharp edges, hot surfaces and other hazards with the potential to crush, burn, cut, shear, stab or otherwise strike or wound workers if used unsafely. In using these machinery, workers need to be educated about the proper use of these equipment and where necessary, workers need to be provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
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