Workplace Risk Assessment: What Hazards Should We Look Out For to Keep Everyone Safe?

What types of hazards should be identified during a workplace risk assessment?

During a workplace risk assessment, various types of hazards should be identified to ensure the safety and well-being of employees. These hazards can include physical hazards such as slippery floors, faulty equipment, or poor lighting that may lead to accidents or injuries. Additionally, chemical hazards like exposure to toxic substances or gases should be evaluated. Biological hazards such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi that can cause illnesses are also important to consider. Furthermore, ergonomic hazards related to poor workstation setups or repetitive movements should be addressed to prevent musculoskeletal issues. Lastly, psychosocial hazards like workplace violence, bullying, or high levels of stress should not be overlooked in a comprehensive risk assessment. Identifying and mitigating these various hazards are crucial steps in creating a safe work environment for all employees.

Dear Ravi C,

You have raised a query and provided a reply as well. Here are a few points from my side:

a) In your reply, you did not include the certification for the physical fitness of the staff. Certain activities require eye tests, color-blindness tests, high-altitude tests, etc.

b) Inadequate sleep of the drivers is also a safety hazard. Many times, the inadequate sleep of the forklift operators was the cause of accidents in the warehouses.

c) You need to identify hazards while working at heights. Servicing towers, chimneys, etc., requires working at heights. Sometimes, tree branches have to be trimmed, which is also a hazardous job.

d) Safety while working with electrical gadgets is also important. For example, in hotel kitchens, the staff does not remove the electrical connections of the mixers or grinders. Inadvertently, the mixer or grinder gets switched on, and the cleaning staff's finger gets cut.

e) The same applies to the exhaust pipes of the chimneys installed in the kitchens. Since the exhaust pipe is never cleaned, a thick layer of oil accumulates inside the pipe, which can sometimes catch fire.

f) Safety precautions should be observed while stacking pipes or cement bags. The stack shall be in a pyramid shape or the pipes or the bags placed length-wise and cross-wise in alternate layers.

In conclusion, the safety hazards are industry-specific and company-specific. The safety officer is expected to anticipate the hazards and take preventive measures.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar