No one goes to work expecting to get hurt, but it’s the “it won’t happen to me” mentality that usually triggers accidents and injuries. It’s not uncommon for employees, supervisors, managers, or owners to become so comfortable and complacent in their day-to-day operations at work that they forget to ask themselves, “What can hurt me?” when entering the workplace. Asking this can prompt you to take the extra few minutes to evaluate the hazards of a work task, which could potentially save your life!
Below is a list of items that are occasionally overlooked or forgotten in the workplace and can potentially lead to serious harm:
MACHINE GUARDING
If machine guards are improperly installed, outdated, or need to be replaced, it could seriously injure the machine operator and/or other employees through physical contact, debris, dust, and even noise.
PINCH POINTS
Pinch points can be between two moving parts, or between a moving and stationary part, of an object or machine, such as conveyors, gears, loaders, compactors, and even desk drawers and cabinets. Crush injuries from pinch points can result in cuts, bruises, broken bones, and even amputations.
ACCIDENTAL START-UP OF EQUIPMENT
Injuries resulting from the failure to properly lockout/tagout a piece of broken equipment may result in electrocution, burns, crushing, cutting, lacerating, amputating, or fracturing body parts, and others. Check your SOP/SWP for lockout procedures.
SPILLS
Whether a hazardous substance, or not, spills can cause slips, trip, or falls or health hazards in the workplace. Ignoring or not following proper spill response procedures may lead to serious consequences.
RACKING AND STORAGE
Improper storage or racking can include heavy items on top shelves, overhanging products, damaged shelving, and racks holding more than their maximum capacity.
ELECTRICAL
Damaged extension cords, forgetting PPE, working on live circuits, improper grounding, or skipping lockout/tagout procedures can cause electrical shock or property damage due to fire.
NOISE
Noise in the workplace can cause permanent damage to your hearing. It can happen progressively or be caused immediately by exposure to peak sounds. If employees have to raise their voices to be heard from even just a yard away, it’s a good indication that the noise is reaching a harmful level and PPE is needed.
These common hazards pose a threat to you and other employees. Don’t forget – when walking into the workplace, ask yourself, “What can hurt me?”