The Biggest Workplace Health & Safety Hazards

The Top Four Workplace Health and Safety Hazards 

In 2016, UK businesses were fined a whopping total of £32,438,677 for not complying with health and safety standards. Furthermore, it has been found that complying with health and safety standards save each company around £75,000 on average.

With these staggering amounts in mind, can you really afford to not protect your employees from health and safety hazards? 

In the UK the average worker spends around 40 hours a week at their job, a place where they should be safe. However, each workplace comes with its own set of potential health and safety hazards which need to be addressed accordingly.

Label Source works to combat health and safety hazards, so today we're looking at the top 4 workplace health and safety hazards and what you can do about it.

1) Electrical and Wire Hazards

Working with any electrical equipment can increase the risk of injury substantially, so companies who work with electrical equipment and wiring should take extra precautions when it comes to health and safety. 

To reduce the risk of health and safety breaches when working with electrical equipment and wires, take the following steps: 

• Do not connect an extension cord to another extension cord
• Avoid using liquids near the equipment 
• Label wiring correctly (Find wiring safety labels here >)
• Try to keep wires hidden away to avoid a tripping hazard 
• Calibrate electrical equipment frequently (Find electrical calibration labels here >) 
• Clearly identify any electrical hazards or voltage levels 

 Browse our full range of electrical equipment safety labels/signs here. 

2) Fire Hazards

Fire can occur even in office environments, so it is vital that every health and safety precaution is taken when it comes to this lethal hazard. It is incredibly important that all businesses mark fire exits and fire safety evacuation procedures for their employees and frequently ensure their fire alarm systems work. 

The following steps should be taken to avoid this workplace health and safety hazard: 

• Make sure no fire exits are blocked (Find fire access safety signs here >)
• Ensure all employees know fire evacuation procedures (Find fire evacuation procedure signs here >) 
• Display fire exit signs clearly 

Browse our full range of fire health and safety signs here. 

3) Asbestos 

Asbestos is a known carcinogen and is known to cause cancer as well as lung fibrosis. Asbestos has been banned in the UK since 1999, but this hazardous substance is thought to still be found within 500,000 public buildings still. Asbestos is harmless when left undisturbed, but incredibly dangerous when airborne.

Those working in the construction industry should be especially careful to follow health and safety precautions if they believe they may be near this substance. 

Browse our range of Asbestos Warning Signs, Labels & Tapes here. 

4) Slips, Trips, and Falls

Falls in the workplace are a very common workplace health and safety hazard and should be addressed within all working environments. This workplace hazard reportedly costs employers over £512 million a year in lost production and other costs. Obstructions, spillage and working at a height all contribute to this health and safety hazard. To prevent gaining a fine for a fall within the workplace, take note of the following precautions. 

• Avoid any obstruction in your walkways
• Be sure to signal cleaning that is taking place and that the floor may be slippery (Find slippery surface sign here >) 
• Warn people of uneven floor surfaces (Find caution uneven floor surface here >) 
• Make sure wet floor signs are used (Find wet floor sign here >) 

Browse our range of signs to avoid slips, trips and fall workplace hazards here. 

We hope this helps you avoid the biggest workplace health and safety hazards within your company. For all your label and signage needs, you can browse our full selection of labels or give us a call on 0809 3761 693.