There are common hazards that most workplaces see every day that could easily be avoided and managed using a simple checklist...

In our experience, there are some hazards that employers see in their workplaces daily that could easily be avoided. While many of these hazards may seem like no big deal, they can actually lead to some pretty serious accidents if left unchecked.

To help raise awareness, we'll take a look at some of the most common workplace hazards that can be managed and avoided with a simple checklist. Let's stay safe!

Common Workplace Hazards and Solutions

Hazard #1 - Slips, Trips & Falls

It's easy to get over-familiar and complacent when using tools daily in the workplace, such as a generator or power tool.

For example, a power cord cutting across a corner of the shed becomes invisible to the naked eye. But because everyone becomes accustomed to having it there, they may be stepping over it without even thinking. Employers no longer see it as a hazard.

9 out of 10 times, this might not even be an issue. But, if you have a new worker (or visitor) to the worksite who is not familiar with their surroundings, they might run into trouble. They may find themselves tripping, taking a fall, and possibly seriously injuring themselves or others around them.

As a workplace manager or supervisor, you can avoid accidents like these by using a safety checklist. The Take 5 Safety checklist makes you look for and identify potential hazards right under your nose.

Hazard #2 - Don't Forget Those Rainy Days

It's important to identify potential workplace hazards on a regular basis. Why? Because things in the workplace continually change, the weather is one of those things.

Rainy days can open up workplaces to new slippery surfaces that can lead to injury if you're not careful with your footing. Using a Take 5 Safety Book to identify and rectify these quickly before an accident happens will help avoid it!

But it's not just rain that can cause issues here. Hot days also have their hazards. Consider things like heatstroke or stress when the weather (and workplace) warms up.

Hazard #3 - Vehicle Safety in the Workplace

Be sure to check your work vehicles for potential issues before using them. Typically, it's easy to overlook this type of hazard. But when left unchecked, this can lead to various problems.

A pre-start checklist ensures that everything from registration dates to fluid levels in engine parts is checked before being used. It's also handy for checking what equipment is on board, tyre conditions and any issues with the vehicle itself.

Ensure hazards are not overlooked by regularly using checklists. This is especially important when using shared vehicles, where people can often think someone else will do it.

Hazard #4 - Unsafe Electrical Equipment

That dodgy piece of equipment that everyone knows about is a huge problem in the workplace. It could be anything from the grinder running rough, or the kettle in the lunchroom doesn't turn off when boiled. It may seem like a small issue, but any faulty electrical equipment needs our attention!

When we see an issue like this coming up all the time, there's usually some mental "I'll get around to it". But then life happens, and we move on to the next job.

The first step to avoiding this is a checklist. It reminds people to regularly look, check and tag out items that need repairing. It helps keep everyone safe and avoids more significant costly repairs later on.

Hazard #5 - There's a Chair in There

There is always that one chair in an office or lunchroom that bucks like a bronco trying to throw someone out of it due to a broken backrest, bent leg or missing wheel. It often gets pushed to the side and forgotten as there's lunch to eat and stories to tell.

But imagine - one day, someone (unbeknown to them) grabs that chair and plonks themselves down with full weight. Crash! They hit the ground and are injured, all from an unsuspecting chair that should have been repaired or removed weeks ago.

As small as it may seem, safety checklists bring to the forefront of people's minds the little items that are often forgotten but can cause injury, loss of productivity and a whole lot of paperwork!

Avoiding Common Workplace Hazards with UniPrint Safety Books

Check, Check, One, Two...

Just like a roadie checks the microphones on the stage before a show, workplaces need to check the everyday items and hazards in front of them.

The key to avoiding these simple, everyday hazards is by having a routine that uses a simple checklist to look for and highlight potential issues.

Risks and hazards are everywhere. The aim is to minimize and remove them, keeping everyone safe. You want your staff to be aware and not be afraid to speak up. Encourage your team to be proactive in pointing out hazards and issues in the workplace.

Checklists allow your workers to quickly identify and report potential issues preventing workplace accidents. The quickest and easiest way to bring safety to your business is by using safety books for your risk and safety assessments.

If you're ready to improve the safety of your team and workplace visitors, then chat with our friendly UniPrint team today. We even offer customisable safety books to fit in with your Industry and Brand.