|  | Public Health Safety | Work Safety

Safety Issues in an Employed Work Environment

In an employed work environment, several potential hazards may exist that go undetected. Every workplace must have a safety committee that consists of members chosen by the workers and management. The safety committee plays a key role in the identification and removal of safety hazards from the work area. It is also every employee's duty to recognize imminent dangers and to initiate corrective action.

  1. Toxins and Chemicals

    • In some work environments, employees may be exposed to dangerous materials such as lead, silica and asbestos. Health and safety regulations require the use of protective equipment such as face masks and respiratory aids for employees who work in potentially dangerous environments.

    Structural Problems

    • Structural integrity is an important factor in worker safety. This lowers the risk of accidents, building damage or collapses and falls. Missing tiles, torn carpets and dilapidated staircases are also potential hazards related to structural integrity.

    Electrical Problems

    • Malfunctioning electrical equipment, torn or frayed cords and tampered plugs all constitute safety problems in a workplace. These conditions can cause electric shocks and also lead to electric fires.

    Lack of Ergonomically Friendly Furniture

    • Comfortable furniture is important, because employees spend a majority of their day in it. Poorly designed and manufactured furniture can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, backaches and body pain.

    Impure Air

    • Air that carries allergens, dust and toxins is detrimental to the health of employees. Second-hand smoke also constitutes a danger factor.

    Falls from Heights

    • Workers who perform tasks at heights run the risk of falls and life-threatening injuries if they are not properly restrained and supported.

    Probability of Eye Injuries

    • Sharp objects, flying particles and dust can all contribute to eye problems and cause injuries. Employees should wear appropriate eye protection at all times in such environments.

    Transmission of Infections

    • Workers in health-care settings run a high risk of contracting infections if sanitary conditions are not maintained. Infections can spread through touch, infected materials, coughing or sneezing.

    Hearing Loss

    • High levels of noise can be detrimental to hearing capability. Workers who constantly operate loud tools or machines must wear hearing protection.

    Stress

    • Work deadlines, stringent policies and competition all contribute to increasing stress levels in workers.

    Heat Stroke

    • Workers in environments such as factories, boiler rooms and bakeries are more susceptible to health problems from excessive exposure to heat. Outdoor work in the summer can also cause this problem. Firefighters are routinely exposed to this danger.

    Suffocation

    • Confined spaces such as sewers, drains or tanks can be hazardous to workers. The most common problems include a lack of oxygen and the probability of exposure to toxic chemicals or gases.

Work Safety - Related Articles