Let's identify the culprit

Having a workplace accident or injury does not only affect the employees who were injured, it also greatly affects the companies/employers as well.  Every hour that is lost means an hour of lost production (which could equate to $$$ gone), plus tons of money involved for medical expenses, insurance claims, etc. 

Business Insider reported that occupational injuries and illnesses add up to an estimated $48.6 billion in compensation costs.  And that's just the tip of the economic iceberg. The total economic costs of occupational deaths and injuries in 2014 is $142.2 billion, with a total of 120 million days lost (in 2014) due to occupational deaths and injuries.

Please take some time to check the video below that shows hazard identification and what we can do about it:

Clip from youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0ai7Fkh4tA

National Safety Council identified the 7 most common workplace hazards (http://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/14054-common-workplace-safety-hazards).  Let's discuss it one by one:

1.  Working at heights - Falling from heights is one of the major cause of death and injury worldwide.  Proper training should be provided to people who are working at heights, even if it's just 2 meters off the floor.  Proper protection should be provided such as helmets, ties, even your shoes should be proper.   

2.  Poor housekeeping - Clutter is a major accident prone. Tripping over loose objects on floor or stairs, or slipping on a wet or oily surface is just too common. The solution is simple, lets tidy up!

3.  Electrical - Improper use of extension cords, overloading a power circuit, electrical contact with an equipment, need I say more?  You cannot handle electrical works if you are not trained to do so.  Leave this to the professionals.

4.  Forklifts - Working with forklifts needs a license.  There are also techniques in proper and appropriate loads, looking after pedestrians, and having an obstructive view, etc.

5.  Lockout / Tagout (LOTO) - Unintentional equipment startups are very deadly.  Dangerous equipment should be properly shut down and tagged properly if it is undergoing maintenance or servicing.

6.  Chemicals - Direct contact or exposure to certain chemicals can be fatal.  It may be through inhalation, ingestion or skin contact.  Proper gas masks and lab uniforms should be worn when handling chemicals.

7.  Confined spaces - These are areas with limited or restricted entry and exits and are not designed for long time occupancy.  Samples are storage rooms, tanks, vaults, pits, manholes, etc.  A special permit is required if you need to work in a confined space.

Workers have a RIGHT to a safe and healthy workplace. The law requires employers to provide their employees with one.  If you think that your job is unsafe there are government agencies which you can contact to help you.

How do you feel about these hazards?  Have you noticed one in your workplace lately?  Have you addressed this concern?  Let us know your thoughts by commenting below.