Dealing With an Unsafe Workplace
The first step to protecting yourself is being able to recognize hazards in your work environment.
Physical hazards:
Very common in most workplaces. They are easy to spot, but surprisingly, often overlooked. They can cause injury, illness and even death.
Types of physical hazards to look out for:
- Electrical hazards
- Unguarded machinery
- Constant loud noise
- High exposure to sunlight/ultraviolet rays, heat or cold
- Working from heights or any raised work area
- Working with mobile equipment
Chemical hazards:
Some chemicals are safer than others, but for workers who are sensitive to chemicals, even common solutions can cause illness, such as skin irritation or breathing problems.
Types of chemical hazards to look out for:
- Cleaning products, paints, acids and especially chemicals in an unlabelled container
- Gases like acetylene, propane, carbon monoxide and helium
- Flammable materials like gasoline, solvents; and explosive chemicals
Musculoskeletal Disorder hazards:
Workplace conditions that pose the risk of injury to your musculoskeletal system. These types of hazards are tough to spot because you don’t always immediately notice the strain you’re putting on your body. Short-term exposure may result in sore muscles, but long term exposure can result in more serious injuries.
Types of Musculoskeletal Disorder hazards to look out for:
- Poor lighting
- Improperly adjusted workstations and chairs
- Frequent lifting
- Awkward posture
- Awkward movements, especially if they are repetitive and forceful
Biological hazards:
Typically found when working with animals, people or infectious plant materials.
Types of biological hazards to look out for:
- Blood or other body fluids
- Fungi
- Bacteria and viruses
- Mould
- Insect bites
The 3 R’s to Safety
Recognize the Hazard
You know that feeling you sometimes get in the pit of your stomach when something doesn’t seem quite right? Learn to follow it! While some hazards are easy to spot, there are many hidden hazards that fly under the radar – like faulty equipment or machinery. You should report all potential hazards as soon as you sense that something is wrong.
Report the Hazard
Reporting a workplace hazard is the only way the problem can get fixed. After all, your boss isn’t a mind reader – how can something get fixed if he/she doesn’t even know about it? By reporting a hazard you’ll not only be protecting yourself, you’ll also be protecting your co-workers.
Remove or Resolve the Hazard
Once you report a hazard, it’s up to your boss to ensure that the problem gets resolved. This can include everything from adding a protective metal guard to the installation of proper ventilation – it varies from situation to situation. If the problem isn’t properly addressed, you have the right to refuse to work.