Workplace Safety Problems
Faulty electricity, broken tools, belligerent co-workers and outdated equipment could all pose safety problems in the workplace. Identifying different types of workplace safety problems can help reduce or eliminate hazards for workers; offering training can help increase employee awareness to prevent safety problems from arising. Workers should be aware of their rights to be legally protected from serious workplace safety problems.
Other People Are Reading
-
Maintenance
-
One type of workplace safety problem relates to maintenance. Employers can reduce hazards by making sure that vehicles, equipment and tools are in good working order. Maintain the property so that pathways are clear, structures are sound and electrical outlets and wiring are properly adjusted and protected. Clearly post safety rules and policies, including procedures for handling different types of accidents or safety lapses.
Negligence
-
Workplace safety problems can also arise due to negligence from either employees or employers. Employees may take unnecessary risks with equipment or their own safety to complete work, take unsafe shortcuts in work processes or behave unprofessionally so that safety becomes a problem. For example, employees who operate machinery while under the influence of alcohol or other substances threaten their safety and the safety of those around them. Employees who behave unprofessionally by joking around or deliberately misusing equipment might also run into safety problems. Employer negligence might include not offering appropriate training and education on safety procedures, not posting safety guidelines or not appropriately maintaining the workplace.
-
Accidents
-
Workplace accidents do happen, sometimes resulting in injury, permanent disability or death. These serious safety problems can have a devastating emotional, physical and financial effect in the workplace. Prevent accidents from happening with appropriate training and workplace safety. When accidents occur, reduce their negative impact by following clearly established rules and procedures for emergency situations.
Violence
-
Another workplace safety problem is violence. Physical fights, attacks and other forms of violence might take place between co-workers, between an employer and employee, or between employees and the public. Reduce inter-office friction by establishing informal and formal mediation processes to assist with conflict resolution. Have policies in place so that employees feel comfortable reporting clients who display tendencies for violence. For example, an employee might report to a manager that he has been receiving threatening emails and phone calls from an irate customer. The manager can then take appropriate action to protect the employee's safety.
Training
-
Reduce workplace safety problems through training and workshops to better educate workers. This might include inviting representatives from your heavy machinery manufacturer to offer regular safety training updates, or asking veteran workers to spend time with new hires to ensure that they understand basic operation of equipment. Your workplace might also host first aid and CPR training sessions for employees.
Rights
-
Employees can ask employers to address safety issues that they feel threaten their safety in the workplace. For example, if you notice that a floorboard has come loose that could potentially trip someone, alert your employer that it requires repair. If employers don't take action, report them to your state workplace safety agency. Employers may not seek reprisal against employees who have reported their safety issue. If you feel that your life is endangered because of an egregious workplace safety problem, you have the right to refuse to work.
-
References
- Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images
