Common Hazards in the Workplace that Could Injure Workers

Each year, hundreds of thousands of workers in the United States are injured while on the job. Some of these injuries are minor, consisting of just bruises and cuts, while others are more severe. As an employer, it's your responsibility to provide a safe working environment for all of your employees. So today we're going to take a closer look at some of the most common hazards in the workplace.

Spilled Liquids

Not surprisingly  spilled liquids are one of the most common hazards in the workplace. Whether it's oil, water or any other liquid, spilled liquids create a slippery surface while increasing the risk of slip-and-falls. So, how do you protect workers from injuries such as this? First and foremost, encourage workers to clean spilled liquids in a timely manner. You can further protect workers from slip-and-falls by placing rugs on concrete and hardwood surfaces.

Frayed Cords

Electrical cords that are frayed, stripped or otherwise damaged also pose a risk to workers' health and well-being. Frayed cords may arc, which can either spark a fire or electrocute nearby workers. To prevent this from happening, inspect electrical cords in your workplace on a regular basis. If you discover any cords that are frayed or damaged, replace them ASAP. It's cheaper to replace a cord than it is to clean up the damage left behind from a fire.

Loud Noise

A lesser-known hazard in the workplace is loud noise. Granted, not all workplaces have loud noise, but many do. And those workplaces in which loud noise is common could injure workers. OSHA has strict rules regarding the permissible level to noise to which workers can be exposed. Going over this limit increases the risk of long-term hearing impairment. Thankfully, you can protect workers from hearing loss by encouraging them to wear the appropriate hearing protection, such as noise-cancelling headphones.

Obstructed Fire Exists

Being that it's National Fire Prevention Weed, there's no better time than the present to stress the importance of maintaining clear, obstruction-free fire exit paths in the workplace. Of course, failure to keep your fire exits clear could result in citations or other penalties handed down by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA takes fire exits very seriously, and they will cite offending companies and businesses.

These are just a few of the most common hazards in the workplace.