Safety hazards in the workplace can cause injuries, illness and even death. These unsafe conditions can be minimized or completely eliminated if workplaces have effective health and safety management systems. Health and safety consultants are specialised in identifying safety hazards. They are relevant for most workplaces. With the help of some basic preventative measures, workplaces can easily become compliant.

Depending on the industry workplaces can have specific hazards. There are, however, some hazards that can occur anywhere.

1. Slips, trips and falls

Slips, trips and falls are the most causes of injuries in many workplaces. Some common examples of causes of slips, trips and falls are, poor housekeeping, poor lighting, wet/slippery floors, uneven/unsuitable floor surfaces/coverings, trailing cables etc.

Maintaining good housekeeping, improving signage and lighting as well and ensuring that facilities are up to standard, the number of slips, trips and falls can easily be reduced.

2. Fire

Fire can pose both health and safety threats and it is a workplace hazard that should not be taken for granted.

Possible causes of fires in the workplace can be faulty electrics, human error during working activities, flammable and combustible materials etc.

Employers must ensure that their emergency preparedness is up to scratch. They must also provide and maintain fire precautions necessary to safeguard anyone using the workplace. In addition they must provide information, instruction and training to employees about the fire precautions. A good evacuation floor plan is essential and evacuation floor drills would also be effective. If suitable, work places should fit fireproof shutters and a water sprinkler system to protect their property against fire.

3. Electricity

Electricity can pose a major safety hazard which can lead to fatalities (electrical shock) and even death (electrocution). Electricity should be handled with care at all times.

Common causes of electricity becoming a safety hazard are, un-insulated cables resulting in exposure to live wires, frayed electrical cords, electrical equipment being used in hazardous environments (wet areas), working on electrical equipment without unplugging or switching off the main power etc.

Only those with adequate knowledge or experience, or who are under adequate supervision should work with or/on electrical equipment. All cables must be well-insulated and cables should not run in the walkways of employees. Electrical systems must also be maintained as necessary to prevent danger.

4. Machinery/Equipment

While machinery eases the burden of labour it can be equally dangerous. Injuries associated with machinery include; amputation/cutting of body parts or being struck by flying objects or components.

Examples of possible causes of these safety hazards are; unavailability of safety guards on machinery, negligence (defying stated operating procedures), repairing or adjusting equipment that is in motion, machinery under pressure, or electrically charged.

Employers must ensure that machinery is constantly serviced and maintained to prevent these safety hazards. They must also ensure that employees follow machine safety operating procedures.

5. Ergonomics safety hazards

Ergonomic safety hazards revolve around working conditions and how one positions their body when performing their duties.

Frequent improper lifting of loads and repetitive awkward movements are good examples of ergonomic safety hazards.

Most severe, improper lifting contributes to health hazards such as back pains and strains. Proper lifting procedures should be drafted and displayed in relevant workplaces and practised by employees.

Meeting legal compliance requires the input of health and safety consultants. They are better aware of the scope and implications. MAKROSAFE assists dozens of companies every day. Benefit from our knowledge and invite us to do an audit soon to determine how compliant you are.