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Not to scare anybody, but there are hidden workplace hazards all around us. Most can be remedied with common sense and a commitment to workplace safety. However, there are some that can remain and even get worse because of oversight and neglect at even the best office. So what can you do? Making safety changes is always welcome. So, from addressing employee personal issues to monitoring device usage, here are some safety suggestions.
Unseen Dangers All-Around
There are plenty of hidden dangers, but none are more dangerous than the unseen. All around us, there are allergens, bacteria and mould. These are potentially hazardous and even life-threatening. While some may merely contribute to sick days, there are others that can cause serious harm. A clean and hygienic office space can help. Professional commercial cleaners specialize in removing some of the biggest risks to your customers, clients and teams.
Personal Hidden Workplace Hazards
A survey in the UK found an average employee absence rate of 5.7 days per employee per year. There are some very common reasons that contribute to increased worker absence:
- Posture can contribute to repetitive strain injury through poor ergonomics.
- Stress at work causes an employee to drop in productivity, performance and safety.
- Bullying and harassment contribute to sick days, worker turnover and even self-harm.
Poor posture at work causes injuries such as RSI that can lead to serious ongoing problems. Stress will also contribute to worker absence and can be caused by bullying and harassment.
Electrical Equipment and Cables
Even in a relatively simple office, there are a few things that can make workplace safety a nightmare. Think about the number of computers and devices a typical office has. That’s a lot of electrical cables and network wires that can cause injury at work. Cable can cause injury because of tripping. However, you can also overload electrical outlets and power strips. Proper cable management is always recommended and can help avoid a lot of workplace injuries.
Poor Lighting Solutions
You may not think so, but the amount and quality of light in a workplace such as an office can directly impact the health of workers. Old fluorescent lighting can come with specific issues, causing decreased productivity and even health problems. These include flickering that causes headaches, blue light emissions that impact sleep and glare that can strain the eyes. LED lighting is recommended as it is more stable and can even be controlled dynamically.
Chemical Hidden Workplace Hazards
It’s hard to miss, but there are dangerous chemicals all around us when we are at work. While working as a flagger is dangerous anyway, there are extra hazards at these kinds of jobs, including construction sites. In fact, 21% of construction workers per year experience an injury because of specific job-related safety issues, as well as chemicals related to specific job sites.
Asbestos ceiling tiles
Asbestos was used for safety in buildings from the 1870s to the 1980s because of its heat-proof properties. Ironically, it causes mesothelioma cancer when broken and the fibres are inhaled.
Lead-based paint
Lead-based paint was used in pre-1980s buildings but was banned when it was found to be extremely toxic. Ingesting lead dust causes problems with the brain, liver and kidneys.
Poor air circulation
A stuffy office can contribute to all kinds of breathing issues. A dirty HVAC system will also make this worse, as poor ventilation creates a breeding ground for bacteria and mould.
Asbestos is pretty rare these days, but it can still be found lurking in older buildings, so take care when renovating the office. The same goes for lead paint and dust. A well-maintained ventilation system will contribute to keeping your employees safe and healthy all year round.
Working Near Suspended Loads
There aren’t many jobs where workers are threatened by heavy loads literally looming overhead. But for the jobs that carry this risk, it is a risk that must be addressed and monitored at all times. For instance, construction workers often have to work in risky conditions, including bad weather. Suspended loads, such as those hanging from cranes, pose a severe risk to employee health, safety and well-being. It isn’t even worth thinking about the possible tragedy.
Language Barriers
A workplace is much safer when everyone is on the same page. However, language challenges are a direct threat to workplace safety. Diversity in the workplace might be a good thing, but it isn’t without risk. Any employees from other countries or backgrounds must be able to carry out their jobs with an understanding of health and safety. Seminars, printed materials, and contracts must be presented in multiple languages so every employee understands their role and safety.
Hidden Workplace Hazards with Devices
The average employee wastes 720 work hours per year because of distractions, many of which come from devices. However, devices also pose severe health and safety risks at work:
- Old computers are louder and have a lower refresh rate, causing eye and ear problems.
- Mobile phones are one of the biggest distractions at work, contributing to lower safety.
- Lithium-ion batteries can explode in rare cases, so they must be stored properly.
Newer devices offer higher quality and reduce issues such as eye strain. Phones can distract workers and reduce safety as a result, while batteries from eBikes and laptops can explode.
A Fatigued Workforce
Tired workers are dangerous workers! Just consider how many vehicle incidents there are caused by drivers falling asleep at the wheel. Of course, this also extends to other activities, such as heavy machinery operations. An ideal way to mitigate the risk of fatigue-related injuries at work is to ensure employees are given adequate time off and a manageable workload. Some workplaces also offer health, wellbeing and wellness activities to ensure employees stay safe.
Summary
Unseen dangers such as bacteria and mould are some of the hidden workplace hazards that can be overlooked. There are also chemical hazards such as asbestos, lead and poor air quality. However, devices such as old computers can also contribute to health issues at work.
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