6 Common Workplace Safety Errors and How to Avoid Them

Every company desires to show that they have the highest level of workplace safety, and nobody desires to be exposed for flaws in their OHS policies and practices.

For an organization to operate smoothly, safety is essential. However, there are numerous common workplace safety errors in business practice. They can be due to a lack of money, time, effort, or simply unawareness of what’s going on.

However, if these issues are not addressed, there may be serious consequences. A simple category 1 violation of the Work Health and Safety Act (WHS Act) 2011 of careless behavior carries a $3,000,000 fine for the business and up to $600,000 fine or five years in prison for each worker found guilty.

So, what are some of the most common errors, and how would you prevent them? Continue reading to learn.

 1. Poor Chemical Storage

Coming into contact with acids, gasoline, and other chemicals/toxins cause severe irritations to the skin. Breathing in these chemicals also causes severe respiratory problems.

One way of avoiding this safety mistake at work is wearing gloves and masks when using the chemicals. The employer should also properly ventilate the workspace to allow fresh air from the outside.

2. Electrical Hazards

Faulty wiring, loose electrical sockets, poorly installed electrical cords, and other related electrical faults can cause electrocutions, deaths, and even property damage.

You can avoid this workplace safety error by regularly hiring the best electrician to inspect your wiring system. It would help if you also replaced the old electrical equipment with new and certified ones.

3. Not Having Workplace Safety Training

Do your employees know how to use workplace safety equipment and tools properly? You should also not ignore water safety hazards like drowning.

You can save your workers from possible equipment crashes or even protect your equipment by offering them proper training. You should also consider water safety training and get a water safety certification to prevent workplace safety hazards.

4. Poor Working Posture

Bending, twisting, or even staring at computers for a long time are awkward postures at work. Bending and twisting will cause more pressure to your neck and back, hence causing severe pain.

You can avoid these common workplace safety errors by sitting straight. You should also not stare at your laptop for a long time.

5. Wet Floors

Spillage of any liquid on your floor will increase the risks of slips and falls. You don’t want to suffer from head injuries, fractures, and other severe injuries.

You can avoid this safety hazard by not walking on wet floors. Cleaning and drying the floor before the staff uses it is another way to avoid this error.

6. Work Stress

Stress at work reduces the workers’ productivity and also threatens their health. Working for long hours and harassment are some causes of work stress.

Work stress contract the muscles resulting in musculoskeletal disorders.

You can prevent this by providing a safe and comfortable working environment and treating the workers well.

Avoid the Above Common Workplace Safety Errors

You don’t have to let these common workplace safety errors damage your health or even your business. A safe work environment will ensure you, the workers, and the business are protected.

We hope you’ve learned something helpful. If so, keep an eye on our website for more informative blog posts.