In the US, there are more than 5,000 deaths per year as a direct result of improper safety in the workplace. So if you come across unsafe work practices at your job, you should report them instantly. Doing this ensures everyone seems to be safe. There are many, but here are some of the most common.
No Protection from Hazardous Substances
Just working near a busy road means you are exposed to harmful substances such as vehicle emissions, possibly bacteria, and even secondhand smoke. However, there are some hazards that require strong protection to keep you safe. Just ask those who are currently involved in a asbestos lawsuit what they consider poor protection. Hazards such as asbestos and other materials and chemicals can cause life-threatening diseases. So at all times ask for PPE for the job at hand.
Human Issues Causing Unsafe Work Practices
Human error is the main reason why things go wrong at work, and folks get hurt. There are four main things that make people fail. This includes doing work too quickly, too angry, or too tired. All of these can be dangerous in many situations, such as when you are driving for a living. This way of thinking can lead you to do things that are harmful to yourself or others. Or, at the very least, do something bad. Satisfaction is also a big reason why people neglect safety.
Forced or Too Much Overtime
Employers often ask workers to work overtime. But this can cause plenty of problems, like being too tired to do anything. Even in the most enjoyable job, it is hard to stay awake for long hours at work. You will get tired if you work excessively every now and then. And there will be more chance of accidents. If your boss forces you to work overtime, you can say no if it exceeds your contracted hours. But it is generally classed as 40 hours in a given 7 day period.
Ignored Bad Habits
Today, it is hard to find a workplace that is not trying to change movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter because workplace safety extends to societal issues as well. However, not all jobs are safe this way, and there are numerous bad cultural practices, such as:
- The culture of drinking, smoking and taking drugs that many ignore.
- Racial, sexual and gender harassment is ignored as part of corporate culture.
- Blocking fire exits and emergency passageways preventing proper evacuation.
- Routinely ignoring health and safety hazards and regulations such as PAT testing.
- Allow co-workers to remain where they’re when they’re genuinely sick or sick.
If there are any of these issues, you can raise your concern with HR, and they may move to address the situation. However, more than one can mean an absence of respect for safety. And if so, maybe it is time to find a job that rewards you.
Poor Visibility for the Work Needed
Lighting, whether natural or artificial, is important for many reasons. Light can make you more alert and help you get more done. But it also helps keep the workplace safe. Sometimes, employers do not provide you with enough light, which is a disgrace. And this will be bad for your health. For example, if your work space does not have enough light, your eyes may be tired and blurry. It can be dangerous to use the machine or even pass someone with hot drinks or tools.
Unsafe Work Practices Including Improper Training
Even small jobs may require some sort of training. However, there are still many jobs, such as using power tools or heavy equipment, that can only be performed safely with full training. For example, letting you use a tool that’s not made for the job at hand could injure you or cause an accident. If you have ever been coached, it is most likely because you do not know what you are doing. But even in this case, your boss should be watching what you are doing and ensuring you are using it the right way.
Conscious Neglect of Safety
Every workplace must have safety rules to keep workers safe. But workers who do not follow safety rules put themselves and others in danger. Sign or symbol for safety notify you of a possible hazard. But sometimes people do not pay attention to them because they do not know what they mean. Or out of ignorance and inattention. However this won’t occur if there’s a healthy safety culture that keeps workers focused on health and safety measures.
Summary
You have the right to feel safe at work. And your employer must provide this right, even in jobs where safety concerns are instantly apparent. Every office, site or shop has security concerns. And this includes hazardous materials, poor workplace culture, and ignorance of safety.
