Top 5 Workplace Hazards that Will Impact Your Organization

October 15, 2014

When it comes to the safety of your employees, you can never be too careful. A total of 4,405 workers were killed on the job in 2013, according to OSHA. This represents an average of 85 deaths per week ─ more than 12 per day.

In fact, one in five worker fatalities in 2013 were in the construction industry. More than half of the deaths of construction workers were the result of one of four causes ─ falls, struck by an object, electrocutions and caught-in/between. OSHA notes that eliminating these four hazards could have saved the lives of 468 workers in 2013.

Top 5 Workplace Hazards

Have you done everything in your power to protect your employees from common workplace hazards? Learn more about the top five safety risks in the workplace and how to prevent them:

  1. Risk of Fire: No workplace is exempt from the risk of fire. Make sure your team is properly prepared by placing fire extinguishers in highly visible areas, holding periodic fire drills and making sure everyone knows the emergency escape route.
  2. Electrical Issues: Mitigate electrical risks by getting rid of worn and frayed electrical cords, staying at least 10 feet from working power lines and making sure all electrically-powered equipment is in good operating condition prior to using it.
  3. Confined Spaces Vulnerabilities: When working in vaults, tanks, sewers and other confined spaces, people are especially susceptible to extreme temperatures, explosions, asphyxiation and poisoning. Reduce these risks by ensuring all work areas are properly ventilated, and by using monitors to test for sufficient oxygen and absence of toxic or explosive atmospheres.
  4. Accidental Falls and Flying Objects: When completing work on a high surface, a harness, safety net or guardrails should be installed to decrease the risk of serious injury or death from a fall. Hard hats should always be worn to protect the head from falling objects.
  5. Chemical Dangers: Exposure to chemicals in the workplace can cause serious health hazards. Chemicals can come in a wide-variety of forms, including solids, gases, liquids, dust, vapors, corrosives and fumes. They can enter the body in multiple ways, such as ingesting, inhaling and absorption.

Eco-Rental Solutions is dedicated to helping you provide a safe workplace for your employees. We make sure every instrument is properly maintained and calibrated to meet the manufacturers’ standards. Partner with us to enjoy an efficient and cost-effective sales and rental process. Request a quote today!