As much as a company might try, there is no such thing as a perfectly safe work environment. There are always potential hazards that create general risk and workplace management needs. The key for most companies is to know what they’re up against. They need to know common hazards in the workplace, including those specific to their own industry. Since knowledge is always the first step in the process, let’s take a look at the biggest threats to general risk and workplace management when it comes to occupational safety.
The top priority for general risk and workplace management for every business should fire safety. No type of business is immune from being a potential fire victim. This is why it’s important to consult with local fire departments about proper fire safety, hold regular fire drills, and teach employees how to use fire extinguishers.
The COVID-19 pandemic should have given us many lessons, but one of them should have been the importance of air quality. More than ever, air filtration systems are important to help prevent the spread of airborne diseases. At the same time, asthma and other respiratory diseases can be caused or exacerbated if employees spend large periods of time in a workplace that has poor air quality. This is now a hazard that can no longer be ignored by any company.
In certain industries, general risk and workplace management need to include the risk of chemical exposure in the workplace. For companies that require employees to work with chemicals, this can be one of the most dangerous health hazards. There are a lot of safety protocols relating to the handling and storage of chemicals that need to be in place and enforced because there can be both short-term and long-term effects of chemical exposure.
Perhaps even more than chemicals, electrical hazards can be a huge concern in the workplace. There is typically a high risk to any work that involves electrical panels. Proper steps need to be taken to reduce exposure to electrical hazards and make sure workers have proper equipment and instructions when dealing with electricity. When in doubt, it’s usually best to bring in an expert who can handle electrical hazards safely.
Slips and falls are one of the most common causes of injury in the workplace, so they require plenty of attention when it comes to general risk and workplace management. One of the biggest issues is when employees work at heights. There are compressive safety measures required for any employee who is working more than six feet above the ground. On top of that, employees tripping over clutter and objects that are places where they don’t belong can lead to accidents and injuries that could have been easily prevented with a little more attention to detail.
Last but not least, the ergonomic health of employees shouldn’t be overlooked. This applies to employees who spend all days sitting in chairs or at desks, but it can also apply to those who have to perform repetitive movements as part of their job. The issue with ergonomic safety is that the adverse effects aren’t always noticed right away. However, it’s a risk that requires attention and needs to be addressed in every workplace.
Any company looking for assistance with general risk and workplace management could likely benefit from using safety management software. Our software solutions can help streamline the way that any company manages occupational safety. Our system brings every element of workplace safety together so that nothing gets overlooked and no safety issue slips through the cracks.
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive approach to workplace safety, let’s have a conversation about how our software can improve help you create a safer workplace.