It is imperative that all employers create as safe a work environment as possible for workers. First of all, this is a moral obligation. As the person managing work environments, it is the employer who is responsible for taking preventive measures.
Furthermore, it is a legal obligation. The Occupational Safety Health Act’s (OSHA) General Duty Clause requires employers to provide a safe work environment for employees.
Finally, this makes financial sense for employers. The costs upfront to purchase necessary safety equipment will save money down the line. According to Liberty Mutual, safety incidents cost industries over a billion dollars per week. By keeping workers safe, employers are saving money associated with possible legal fees, healthcare costs, and worker turnover.
OSHA standards have proven to have exceptional success in keeping workers with high job demands safe. According to the Department of Labor, the nation has seen the number of daily workplace fatalities decrease from 38 to 14 since 1970. In addition, the number of worker injuries and illnesses has decreased from 10.9 worker injuries per 100 workers in 1972 to 2.8 incidents per 100 workers in 2017.
Some industries are more dangerous than others. Construction accounts for 1 in 5 deaths in the private sector. Transportation, manufacturing, health care, and warehousing are also dangerous jobs. Employers in these industries need to be especially careful to take appropriate preventative measures.
So, what types of hazards do workplaces present? Depending on the hazards, the health risks may vary.
Biological hazards come from organisms, including people, animals, and plants. These generally cause diseases and allergic reactions, which can result in serious health issues for workers.
Common biological hazards include mold, sewage, animal droppings, viruses, and bodily fluids. A pertinent biological hazard of today is the Covid-19 virus.
Biological hazards are prevalent in many types of work. Construction workers may encounter dust exposure or contaminated water while doing demolition or groundwork. Nurses might be exposed to viruses carried by their patients. Sometimes, such as lone workers who operate in sewage systems, the biological hazards may be unknown.
Chemical hazards include any solid, liquid, or gas that can cause injury or illness. They are difficult to remove completely, making it especially important that employers identify them before workers go out.
Chemical exposure can result in irritation, sensitization, carcinogenicity, or more depending on the substance at hand.
Safety hazards include any safety threats posed by the surrounding environment. This can include the hazards associated with the machinery or with the terrain.
Extreme heat, poor air quality, and excessive noise are all conditions that can cause long-term issues in themselves, or make working conditions more challenging. For construction workers, working at a height and operating heavy machinery are examples of safety hazards that are common.
Workers should consider how incentive systems influence safety hazards. For example, a truck driver who is paid more for fast delivery may be at risk of getting in an accident, especially if weather conditions are making the roads more dangerous.
Ergonomic hazards include any work conditions that cause damage to the musculoskeletal system. This includes long periods of sitting, heavy lifting, repetitive strain injuries, or more.
If the job is mandating that workers use their bodies in a certain manner, then the employer is responsible for preventing ensuing injuries.
Another safety hazard that workers face may come from their colleagues or other people surrounding them. Night-shift jobs such as petrol stations of motel workers may be at risk of encountering violence. Other jobs such as healthcare workers or prison guards may also be at risk of violence from people who are living in those institutions.
There are a number of well-established measures that employers can take to identify hazards, prevent accidents, and promote a safe working environment. It is the responsibility of the employer to take the necessary steps to make the workplace safe, even if some employees are not happy with the precautions.
Personal protective equipment can not eliminate workplace dangers. However, it can help prevent a number of these hazards.
For nurses and other workers in cramped spaces in close proximity to germs, masks are important for preventing illness. For others, masks can prevent workers from breathing in toxic chemicals. This is especially important today, as Covid-19 remains a major health concern.
Furthermore, other personal protective equipment such as gloves, ear protection equipment, and safety goggles can protect workers from a number of chemical and safety hazards.
Air circulation plays a key role in maintaining the air quality of a work environment. Without proper circulation, irritants can remain in the air. With proper ventilation, the air will circulate and become safer to breathe.
Air ventilation can be achieved through opening the windows, installing fans, air conditioners, or others. Ample ventilation can go a long way in reducing headaches, irritation of facial features, and poor concentration.
In order to prevent slips, trips, and falls, employers can take a number of measures.
As for slips, these would include quick cleanups after liquids are spilled, using mats, proper drainage infrastructure, and signs to indicate slippery surfaces. Furthermore, measures to make stairs safer, such as handrails and high-traction floors, can help improve worker safety.
To avoid trips, employers can install proper lighting, ensure rugs and mats are anchored, keep pathways clear, and maintain flooring.
Finally, to avoid dangerous falls, employers can train employees properly, regularly inspect equipment that allows workers to elevate, and prepare carefully for projects that take place in elevated spaces.
Proper cleaning supplies are important for keeping the workplace safe. Any employer would provide the proper cleaning chemicals that can be used to clean the chemicals that are being used. When bodily fluids or toxic chemicals are involved, it is essential that proper cleaning supplies are used.
Furthermore, machinery may demand regular cleaning to keep it fully operational. Employers should supply materials that are sufficient for the machinery at hand.
Perhaps most importantly, it is important that workers establish a culture of safety and trust where workers feel their health and safety are protected. This change can not be implemented overnight, but there are a number of steps employers can take to build this type of culture.
Hiring a safety manager is a great initial step. This ensures that each company has someone who is responsible solely for safety issues, such as dangerous chemicals, air ventilation, clear passageways, and more.
Employers should be mindful of how workplace incentives influence worker safety. Ensuring that workers do not have to put themselves in danger to be properly compensated is integral to establishing a culture of safety. Employers who take the time to communicate with workers, whether that be informal check-ins or monthly updates, are more able to anticipate issues before they become a problem.
A subcategory of workplace culture is the protocols that workers are expected to follow. Ensuring that workplaces establish standard protocols that are followed can help establish this culture. Protocols are not always fun, however, they provide a level of accountability for both workers and employers so that everybody can practice healthy behaviors even when it is tiring.
Protocols should include proper training for all workers. Whether that be how to operate machinery or an overview of dangerous chemicals that workers will encounter, training is instrumental so that workplace hazards are understood before a workplace accident occurs.
Protocols should include plans to follow in case of emergency. OSHA regulates that companies document their action plans in case of emergencies such as natural disasters. Preparing emergency kits, establishing evacuation plans, and running through emergency drills are means of preparing for this scenario.
It is an unfortunate reality that workplace hazards threaten the health and safety of people who are working. While employers cannot eliminate all dangers, they can take steps to prevent accidents from occurring and protect everyone’s health and safety.
The main categories of workplace hazards include biological, chemical, safety, ergonomic, and social hazards. Employers should evaluate which of these their workplace presents, and react accordingly.
