Workplace accidents impact the lives of people every day in the United States. While some industries have visibly higher risks of injury than others, every worker may encounter hazards in their job. Workers that come across potential hazards should report them right away. The effort of vigilant workers to report concerns and the timely response of management can save lives.
Common workplace hazards
Workplace hazards can affect people in a number of ways from physical injuries to biological disorders. According to Grainger, OSHA cites five primary workplace hazards including the following:
-
Biological hazards such as viruses and mold
-
Ergonomic hazards such as MSDs and repetitive strain injuries
-
Safety hazards such as falls and electrical shock
-
Physical hazards such as exposure and radiation
-
Chemical hazards such as pesticides and fumes
Safety training incentives
As part of required safety training, companies would benefit from educating their workers about how to report, mitigate and respond to hazards. Employees that feel comfortable and incentivized to report their concerns can play a critical role in building and maintaining a safe workplace. Companies that prioritize safety training, commend vigilant employees and respond to hazards swiftly, can help their workers achieve optimal outputs. Workers that have access to a safe and functional environment can focus less on their well-being and more on the quality of their work.
If at any point workers feel concerned about the slow or negligent response of their employer, they have the right to file a formal complaint with OSHA. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a caseworker can come to inspect a workplace in question at the request of a concerned worker.