Everyday dangers to be wary of in the workplace
Whether you work in an office, a store, a school, or a building site, there will always be hidden (and not so hidden) dangers that you need to be aware of. Your employers have a duty of care to help keep you safe while you are working, and if you ever do find yourself injured in the workplace, find a Riverside based personal injury lawyer to talk to.
Tripping hazards
Slips, trips, and falls are incredibly commonplace; however, they can cause some serious damage, and so must be taken seriously. This means ensuring that floors are clear, and any wires are taped down safely or covered up. Spillages should be wiped up immediately, and any wet floors need clear signages. To avoid falling, or tripping yourself, wear sensible shoes and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Lifting
Even in an office job, you might find yourself having to lift something heavy, and the wrong technique, or lifting something that is far too heavy, can cause some catastrophic damage to your back. You should always practice the correct lifting technique to reduce the risk of pulling your back, and if something is too heavy, ask for assistance.
Machinery accidents
If you’re working with any type of heavy machinery, it’s vital that you check it over regularly to ensure that it is still working correctly and, most importantly, safely. Follow all the right procedures before operating machinery, and wear any safety gear provided. It’s also important to focus and don’t allow yourself to get distracted - carelessness is where a lot of accidents happen when it comes to potentially dangerous machinery.
Repetitive strain injury
It might not sound serious, but an RSI can be really painful and can be caused by something as simple as using a keyboard every day. You may find that your wrist feels particularly sore, and you experience tingling or weakness. You may want to get wrist support when typing and take regular breaks away from the computer. Make sure you are in the correct position to avoid straining your back, neck, or eyes. For example, your eyes should be in line with the top of the screen, and your feet should be able to touch the floor with your knees at a 90-degree angle.
Chemicals
If you work with any type of hazardous chemicals, you must exercise extreme caution at all times. If you are provided with gloves, goggles, or other protective equipment, be sure to use it appropriately, and don’t get complacent. If you are working in a kitchen, it might be easy to forget just how dangerous something like boiling oil can be, so be sure to keep your wits about you.
Remember that although your job might be important, your life is more so, and it’s crucial that you put your safety first. Be aware of the dangers around you, and follow the relevant safety advice to keep yourself safe at work.
