A workplace is a place where we spend the majority of our time. It’s essential to make sure you can go home safely at the end of every day. You can find many different types of hazards in any workplace, and it’s your responsibility as an employee to protect yourself from these dangers. This article will explore four different types of workplace hazards and how they can affect you. Let’s get to the list.
Chemical hazards
The most common type of workplace hazard is a chemical one. Many workplaces use hazardous chemicals in their production process, and it’s essential to be aware of the dangers they present. In some cases, your employer will inform you of all the chemicals present in their facility.
However, it’s always a wise idea to inquire about this on your own as well. You must understand the various types of hazards present in your workplace and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself. If you get exposed to these hazards and harm you in some way, you may be eligible to claim compensation.
Physical hazards
Many workplaces also have physical dangers which can cause harm to employees. These include heavy machinery, working at height, and noise exposure. If you’re not adequately trained in using this equipment, you could be putting yourself in danger. It’s essential to receive the necessary training from your employer and always follow their safety instructions.
Physical dangers are one of the most common types of workplace hazards. If you start to feel pain or discomfort, as a result, make sure to report this issue immediately and take a break from work if necessary. Also, it is essential to stay away from any equipment that has been marked as ‘Danger’ or ‘Caution’ as it could be a physical hazard.
Emotional hazards
Not all dangers are seen with the naked eye, and instead, they can be present in your working environment. Emotional dangers are often overlooked as a potential risk to employees. These risks include bullying from managers or other colleagues, sexual harassment by customers/others, and excessive stress caused by complex tasks at work.
Working long hours regularly, being underpaid for your job, and having a disengaged manager can all be forms of emotional harm that could cause psychological problems in the future. It’s essential to stay aware of these dangers to better protect yourself from them. If possible, try to document any incidents that occur. This can be helpful if you decide to make a claim for compensation in the future.
Ergonomic hazards
The last type of workplace hazard we’ll be discussing is an ergonomic one. This type of hazard can often be overlooked, but it’s just as dangerous as the others. Ergonomic hazards are caused by working in an uncomfortable position for long periods or performing the same action repeatedly. This can cause musculoskeletal disorders and other physical injuries.
To avoid ergonomic hazards at work, it’s essential to take regular breaks from your job if possible. If a task you’re performing is causing pain or discomfort in any way, speak up about this issue with your manager. They may provide alternative ways of completing that specific action so you won’t be in danger.
While there are many different types of workplace hazards, it’s essential to stay aware of the dangers you may face every day at work. If you start feeling pain or discomfort, as a result, make sure you report this issue immediately and take whatever measures are necessary to protect yourself from harm.
Featured image: Created using graphics from Upklyak/Freepik
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