Business,
environmental workplace hazards
Why You Should Identify and Manage Environmental Workplace Hazards!
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For businesses and organisations, it is essential to identify different >workplace hazards and take steps to prevent them. Not only does this help them prevent expensive lawsuits and such, but it also allows them to ensure that their employees are safe and can serve the organisation without any health-related breaks
Making sure that the different environmental workplace hazards are under control is one of the most important steps for an employer to take so that employees stay safe and protected.
What Do You Mean by Environmental Hazards in The Workplace?
Environmental hazards in the workplace can be extensive and varied. They can range from improper storage of items, such as cleaning supplies, to the improper management of bodily fluids. These situations in the work environment can have harmful consequences on the employee, and ultimately to the organisation overall. It is essential to ensure that all employees are made aware of any possible environmental workplace hazards and the ways in which they should handle these hazards properly.
Environmental Workplace Hazards |
What Are the Different Types of Environmental Workplace Hazards?
To manage and prevent employees from encountering these hazards, it is essential that they are made aware of the hazards that can occur in the workplace environment. While there are some general hazards which are present in any workplace, some other hazards may be unique to the industry which the organisation is a part of and may be related to its operations. Therefore, sufficient analysis should be done and awareness spread so that everyone knows about these hazards.
Now, let us talk about the general hazards which are present in the workplace environment, and may affect employees:
- Air Quality and Circulation: This is one of the most vital things which should be considered in an office environment. Air circulation should be sufficient, and employees should work in a well-ventilated area. This is especially important for employees who are working with chemical products or in factories where heavy smoke is produced. If an office is situated in an area where air toxins may be present from nearby factories, checking the air quality and circulation becomes a crucial task.
- Tripping and Fall Hazards: We all know that one person who is clumsy and constantly tripping! In the workplace, tripping hazards are often overlooked, but they are the most frequent causes of accidents. Loose tiles, cords, and wet walkways often cause falls, trips, and slips, which are sometimes severe enough to warrant medical attention and leads to the employee having to take medical leave.
- Cleaning Supplies: While most employees do not encounter cleaning supplies, their improper storage can still cause harm. The cleaning staff should wear proper attire when handling chemical supplies; otherwise, they may cause server injuries, which may also include chemical burns. Additionally, it should be ensured that the cleaning staff stores their supplies in a secure place which is not easily accessible by other employees and that the supply bottles are securely tightened to prevent spills.
- Bodily Fluids: While this may not be a significant environmental workplace hazard, in some organisations, where the employees handle products which are to be consumed by others, this can be a severe risk. In fact, if an employee is sick, and they touch objects, or their used utensils lie unattended then than can spread contamination. So it should be handled adequately.
Conclusion
Environmental workplace hazards should be dealt with effectively. With the help of safety meetings, these issues can be handled with care. By managing these hazards organisations can ensure that there is no drop in productivity or health risk to the employees and others.
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