7 Common Causes of Unsafe Working Environment in Your Business
Business is hard. Competition is stiff. There are a lot of things to do and a lot of people vying for your attention. All of these are some reasons why an unsafe working environment can happen in any workplace. It might be not because the employer is negligent, but also because of many dangerous working factors that might cause injury or death.
The fact is, different industries have varying degrees of risk when it comes to health and safety standards, therefore the use of HR reporting software at WHS Monitor is inevitable. Here are some common causes of the unsafe working environment in your business:
1-Unsafe working conditions
The first and most obvious cause of an unsafe working environment is having unsafe working conditions. Many times, people overlook dangers that may be present in their workspace or building. One example could be faulty electrical wiring. Not checking this kind of defect regularly could lead to injuries for employees or worse, death. Another example could be debris left around a construction site that might not seem like a threat now because it’s dry but could cause accidents later when it rains or snows.
2-Failure to follow OSHA regulations
OSHA or Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards set forth what workplace safety items need to be in place for both employees and employers. Failure to follow these standards can lead to serious injury or death of an employee and therefore needs to be taken very seriously. A good place to start when looking at this issue is checking with local departments of labor to see if there have been any violations in the past.
3-Create a safe environment at work
To create a safe environment at work, you will need to keep the workplace clean and tidy by removing all kinds of clutter from it. There should be no risk of tripping or slipping in the workplace. The temperatures should be moderate and there should not be too much noise as well.
4-Inadequate training
Most employees are not properly trained on how to use tools safely, or on proper safety procedures at the place of work. In addition, some employees are not taught certain safety tips like wearing appropriate PPE equipment for the job. This leads to injuries due to unsafe working operations.
5-Insufficient Safety Equipment
Safety equipment like goggles, gloves, and earplugs are vital for protecting your employees from hazards that may occur while they’re working. These items will reduce the risk of injuries while they’re doing their job, which can cause a lot of problems to their health. Additionally, having insufficient resources will not only expose them to dangerous situations but will also affect the morale of your employees. They may not feel safe at work if they are not provided with the right equipment.
6-Cluttered Work Areas
An untidy or cluttered work area is another common cause of an unsafe working environment. Employees may trip on things like tools, wires, and materials that are left lying around when they’re trying to do their jobs. This may lead to injuries that can hamper their productivity and even cause permanent disability if they get hurt badly enough.
7-Faulty Equipment
Inappropriate use of equipment is one of the leading causes of work injuries across all industries. Improperly maintained equipment can cause serious injuries when used, leading to workplace accidents. When you are injured due to faulty equipment, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits that cover your medical bills and lost wages.
If you were injured because someone else’s negligence led to an unsafe workplace environment, then you may have a personal injury claim which could lead to a monetary award if the responsible party is found liable. The attorneys at our law firm can assist you during this difficult time with your legal rights and options.
