Beyond the estimation of other people, a safe and healthy working environment can bring positive results in the workplace. For one, when there is safety, people are more productive and efficient at work. Secondly, the company will be spared from the possible lawsuits that the employees may file against them when they have encountered injuries due to negligence on the part of the employer. Another one is that absences would be avoided when there are no injuries and dangers encountered by the employees. Aside from these things, ensuring that the workplace is healthy and safe can bring more benefits to the company. And in order to do so, identifying the hazards that might be existent in the workplace environment is significant.
Air Quality
The quality of the air in a given workplace can be due to the different factors. An outdated and poor ventilation system for instance would likely fail to filter re-circulated air. Such would increase the spread of diseases and germs in the confined spaces. In addition, the use of any toxic cleaning chemicals, certain types of fabrics and paint, and other office products may produce allergens or some serious respiratory and skin reactions to sensitive individuals.
Ill-placed machines, unstable work surface, and exposed cords may all be the cause of trip and fall hazard in a workplace. Uneven and blocked surfaces, significantly cluttered areas, and loose rugs may create potential hazards. Moreover, wet floors and unattended spill also contribute to the same problem.
Ergonomic Injury
Eyestrain which is the cause of over-use of computer monitors, back and wrist injuries from a poorly designed office and equipment can cause workplace hazards. These kinds of injuries may occur over a long period of time. These problems can be minimized with the help of ergonomic chairs, keyboards, and other equipment.
General Safety
A business that has poorly-lit parking spaces or the one that has no security system may also contribute to safety hazards in the workplace. The potential of this problem to occur can be reduced with the help of locked inner doors and employee identification badges. Security cameras would also be of great help.
These are only some of the many workplace hazards that may a pose threat and danger to every employee. It is the responsibility of the company to secure their people by making them aware of the hazards through giving them workplace safety training, P&ID, and other necessary things that they have to undergo in order to make sure that they can go and leave the office without any fear of having their health and safety be at risk.