Workplace hazards are a fact of life. However, there are Workplace procedures for Hazard Identification to address and minimize the risks.
As a manager, you possess an obligation to oversee your employees’ safety as well as follow Workplace Procedures for Hazard Identification. The safer a work environment is, the less chance there is of having an accident happen.
There could be an upfront financial expense when you put in the work to comply with workplace safety regulations. However, the effort could save you a lot of money in the future since it will cut down on the number of accidents and the financial consequences.
The quality of health and safety in your place of work are also going to have a specific impact on your insurance. Insurance costs will differ based on the degree of workplace health and safety strategies an organization adopts.
Organizations which adopt a lax strategy when it comes to health and safety could be unable to get insurance companies even to give them a second glance when they’re in the market for insurance policy coverage.
If you are looking to get a handle on work environment health and safety, as well as prevent accidents, it’s crucial that you discover, reduce, then monitor the hazards that may be present in your workplace.
Workplace Procedures for Hazard Identification – Getting Started
It is crucial you understand what a workplace hazard is. The response to this question relies upon the dynamics of your organization and possibly your commercial property lease agreement. Yes, the projects your organization undertakes are going to determine the kind of hazards that may be present in your work environment.
Being aware of what workplace hazards you and your personnel (as well as clients and visitors) may encounter will help you know what precautions you need to put in place. The following is a list of ways you can identify hazards in your area of work.
Workplace Procedures for Hazard Identification – communication with Your Employee
Talk to workers with regards to any health and safety hazards they may have noticed. You should have a clear picture concerning which employees will be carrying out what duties that will help you to detect potential risks and the safety demands of each employee.
It is your job to promote an atmosphere of open communication. Your workers ought to feel safe reporting any safety worries. There should also be a convenient way for them to report any workplace hazards.
Workplace Procedures for Hazard Identification – Awareness
Make yourself aware of any specific hazard that is likely to happen in your organization. Be mindful of any new equipment that enters the workplace as well as making modifications to current work operations to ensure safety.
You should be informed of any modifications to processes or machinery before they happen. That way you know employees have the necessary briefing and are adequately trained in safe practice. Acquiring an awareness of modifications in the workplace will make it far easier to identify and control any hazards in the workplace.
Workplace Procedures for Hazard Identification – Research
If you have a well-versed knowledge of the hazards related to a job, you will be able to identify the appropriate strategy to handle risk quickly. It is best to research the proper health and safety requirements for each task. That way you will have the full picture regarding the dangers present in your workplace.
Workplace Procedures for Hazard Identification – Injury & Sickness History
To identify workplace hazards, you should evaluate the varieties of injuries as well as ailments that are happening in the workplace. Also, you should examine the consistency and intensity of those injuries/ illnesses that are occurring. You should have a process of reporting in place so that you can keep an accurate record.
Workplace Procedures for Hazard Identification Safety – Audits
Carrying out safety audits on a regular basis will assist you to determine if any potential hazards need to be of concern. Once you complete your review, you need to act immediately and carefully evaluate the degree of risk involved.
Safety audits are going to be meaningless if you identify the hazard but then neglect to do something. You do not want to be in the position where you must go through a compensation claim for an accident you knew was waiting to happen.
Workplace Procedures for Hazard Identification – Action
As soon as you have recognized a hazard in the workplace, you must set a plan in motion. Any safety problems that might be impacting your workers requires immediate action. You should also keep your superiors or perhaps the appropriate regulatory safety associations in the loop. Together you can figure out the right solution to address the present hazards.
Common Workplace Hazards to Look Out For
There are numerous types of workplace hazards grouped under four major categories:
Physical Hazards: This is the most frequently encountered workplace hazard, which includes trips, falls, and slips.
Biological Hazards: Any harmful bacteria as well as viruses which possess a tendency to cause health-related implications, for instance, HIV/AIDS, Legionnaire’s disease and hepatitis.
Chemical Hazards: This comprises any hazardous chemical compound which can cause damage to your workers. Such as, oil which can cause a slip or flammable liquid which could ignite.
Ergonomic Hazards: Are the physiological factors that damage the musculoskeletal system. In other words, monotonous movements, abnormal movements, as well as improper body positioning.
If you would like help with identifying workplace hazards contact. If you would like to work with me find out more about who we are and what we do.
Ian MacLeod is the CEO of the legal publisher RP Emery and Associates. They provide cost effective legal contract kits for Individuals, SME’s and the legal fraternity.
√ This article links well with Employee Engagement
√ Include the steps in the above article in your HR Strategy
√ Stay up to date with Work Health and Safety Regulations