No matter the size or type of the business, procedures for safety in the workplace are a necessity for all stuff. Safety measures protect employees as well as equipment and business property.

What are common workplace hazards? A Hazard is any source of potential damage, harm or adverse health effects on something or someone under certain conditions at work. Common workplace hazards including safety hazards-slips, trips and falls, faulty equipment; Ergonomic hazards-repetition, lifting, awkward postures; Biological hazards-mold, communicable diseases, etc; Chemical hazards-leaning products, pesticides, asbestos.

Identifying hazards and eliminating them helps prevent injuries. The hierarchy of hazards mitigation including hazard elimination, hazard substitution, engineering controls and administrative controls. 

Hazard elimination is the most effective and involves safely and fully removing the hazard. L.e. removing ladders and only using them as needed. Hazard substitution involves replacing something that produces a hazards(similar to elimination) with something that does not produce a hazard. Engineering controls involves engineering a solution to prevent damage form a hazard. L.e. the business may invest in building a raised platform to prevent falls. Administrative controls involves developing procedures and processes to prevent people’s exposure to hazards. 

Personal protective equipment(PPE) is equipment such as safety glasses, clothing and helmets designed to protect against injury.

Be sure to talk to your supervisor about proper safety equipment and potential hazards. Safety comes first!