No matter what industry you work in or where you work, there are hazards. Some workplace safety risks are minor and easily avoidable, and others present a constant threat with potentially fatal results. Understanding the risks is the first step to avoiding them and protecting yourself.
Hazards
Workplace hazards range from slips and falls to exposure to asbestos. No office or industry is immune from an everyday slip and fall. Wet floors, loose carpets and simple carelessness can all result in a slip. Other workplace hazards as categorized by the Center for Disease Control include confined spaces with poor ventilation, carbon monoxide and lead exposure, electrical malfunctions, noise and allergy-causing products, such as latex. Outdoor workers face heat, cold and other weather-related risks.
Illnesses And Injuries
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be the result of typing and other repetitive-action movements. Sprains, strains and possibly broken bones and concussions can result from falls. Health care workers can be exposed to blood-borne infectious diseases, such as Hepatitis and AIDS/HIV. Excessively noisy environments can lead to hearing loss. Some occupations expose workers to the risk of traumatic injuries. According to the CDC in 2007, an average of 15 workers suffered fatal traumatic injuries and almost 11,000 suffered non-fatal injuries or illness each day in the U.S.
High-Risk Occupations
Those working construction jobs suffer the largest number of fatalities in any industry. Agriculture is also one of the riskiest occupations. Other risky occupations include fire fighting, emergency response and mining. Health care workers are exposed not only to patients with communicable diseases but also to the danger of needle sticks and orthopedic injuries caused by lifting patients and equipment.
OSHA
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration was created by Congress in 1970 and is part of the U.S. Department of Labor. OSHA's mission is "to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance." According to its 2008 report, nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses fell to 3.9 cases per 100 workers from 4.2 cases the previous year. OSHA also notes significant overall declines since 2003.
Reduce Risk
You can reduce your risk of workplace injury and illness by observing your company's safety rules and regulations. Wear proper safety gear, such as goggles, steel-tipped shoes and ear protection, as required. Alter activities to prevent repetitive motion injuries. Use caution when working with potentially dangerous equipment, and watch where you're walking. Report potential hazards immediately.
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