Few work environments are free from hazards. While there is generally someone in every company whose focus is to keep tabs on things that can cause harm to employees, clients, and even innocent bystanders, it’s everyone’s responsibility to be mindful of safety in the workplace to minimize the potential for injury.
Not every hazard is obvious. An ambulance company is on the road more than some other businesses, so there is an elevated risk of motor vehicle accidents. But, some of the dangers that can cause serious injury or even death aren’t always simple to identify. As a company that truly cares about safety in the workplace, here are some of the most common workplace hazards and several ways that they can be effectively managed.
Most Common Hazards in the Workplace
A hazard in your workplace is anything that has the potential to cause damage, harm, or adverse health effects to employees or others. Some of the most common ones include:
Biological Hazards
Biological hazards include bacteria, viruses, animals, and insects that can cause harm. For example, blood and other bodily fluids, mold and dust, and exposure to vermin are all biological hazards.
Physical Hazards
Physical hazards are things like heights, exposed wires, moving vehicles, and wet surfaces that can create unsafe working conditions. Many physical hazards are responsible for severe workplace injuries.
Chemical Hazards
Chemical hazards can lead to various types of injuries, such as skin irritation, internal and external burns, and inhalation injuries. They are often the result of improper handling or storage of chemicals in the workplace.
Ergonomic Hazards
Ergonomic hazards result from factors in a work environment that lead to repetitive motion or musculoskeletal injuries. They might result from vibrations, poor workspace design, or prolonged manual labor.
Psychosocial Hazards
Psychosocial hazards include those that adversely impact an employee’s wellbeing or mental health. They include situations such as workplace stress, violence, victimization, and sexual harassment.
How to Prioritize Workplace Safety
If a company neglects its responsibility to protect employees or anyone else, it could face severe penalties. It’s essential that workplace hazards are properly managed to protect the company, and it’s also the right thing to do. Some common approaches include:
Do a Risk Assessment
At least once per year, a business should thoroughly assess its exposure to workplace hazards. If you aren’t sure where to begin, you can ask your insurance company or a risk expert for some assistance.
Introduce Appropriate Control Measures
Once you have a list of potential risks, address them with appropriate controls. These might include eliminating the risks or putting safeguards in place to minimize the chance of loss or the extent of damages if a loss occurs.
Appropriately Train Staff
All employees should receive initial and ongoing training regarding safe workplace practices and loss mitigation.
MedTrust is one of the top ambulance services providers in South Carolina and parts of North Florida. Our company believes in excellence in every area of its business, including providing a safe environment for patients, employees, and community members. Contact us to learn more about our services or to find out the benefits of joining our team.