You will come across many health and safety hazards at work, especially if you work in a high-risk industry. From falling objects to faulty machinery, you need to be aware of the many dangers in your workspace.
So, which health and safety issues could you come across at work?
Accidents Involving Vehicles
Accidents at work are always painful and inconvenient, but if they involve vehicles, they are especially worrying. Manufacturing, construction, and logistics are just a few of the sectors where you can expect to find plenty of vehicles. Typically, people are struck by reversing forklifts or vans when they are involved in vehicle-related accidents.
To avoid accidents such as these, the key safety features for all vehicles should be regularly checked. By double-checking that all safety lights, beepers, and breaks are functioning, accidents involving vehicles are far less likely to happen. There should also be vehicle-only areas in the workspace. They should be clearly marked with barriers and signs, so everyone knows that vehicles could be operating in the area.
Items Falling From Overhead
Falling objects can also be commonplace in high-risk industries. Tools, machinery, bulky materials and falling debris are just a few of the heavy items that could hit people from above. But wearing hard hats, for example, could save lives. It is also important to make sure that working areas are generally clear and tidy. If tools and other heavy objects are always stored away in the right places, they are less likely to fall from heights and cause accidents.
Trips and Falls
High risk workplaces are often full of tall buildings, high drops, scaffolding, and other dangerous hazards that could cause trips and falls. To make sure that trips and falls do not happen, scaffolding should be checked over, especially in bad weather. Wind, snow, and rain could all cause the scaffolding to sway and become highly dangerous.
Smaller trips can also occur in dangerous industries. Loose wires and cables, discarded tools, and wet areas are just a few of the things that can cause hazards. All pathways should be regularly checked to make sure that they are clear. This is a simple but effective way of improving workplace safety.
Workplace Fatigue
Long hours, irregular shift patterns and stress are commonplace in hazardous industries. Sadly, they can all lead to workplace fatigue. A lack of sleep can also lead to lapses in concentration, which can bring about accidents, especially when operating heavy machinery. Although this is an issue that is difficult to resolve, having regular breaks and access to water can help everyone to feel more energised.
There are a wide range of dangers that you could come across if you work in a high-risk environment and you must take precautions to stay safe. However, it is also your employer’s responsibility to make sure that you are as safe as possible.
If you feel that your health and safety at work has been compromised, contact us today and we will be able to advise you about making a no-win-no-fee claim.