According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), more than 2.3 million workers die yearly from occupational accidents and diseases, with millions more suffering from workplace injuries and illnesses.
Seeing as many of us dedicate a significant portion of our lives to our jobs, it’s crucial to recognise and address potential health hazards that may lurk within our work environments.
This article identifies five categories of these occupational hazards that are of most pressing concern. But first..
What are workplace health hazards?
Workplace health hazards are any conditions that can harm your physical or mental health while on the job. These can range from apparent dangers like heavy machinery or toxic chemicals to less visible ones like stress or ergonomic issues.
Here are the top 5 health hazards you should watch out for at work and tips on safeguarding against them.
Physical hazards:
Physical threats are the most obvious types of hazards causing workplace injuries, illness, or death. They include noise, vibration, extreme temperatures, radiation, electricity, fire, falls, and ergonomic problems.
For example, excessive noise levels at work can lead to hearing impairment. Working at a job where you spend hours each day seated in front of a computer or performing repetitive tasks may lead to musculoskeletal issues, such as back pain, neck strain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
To keep yourself from physical harm, adhere to your workplace’s safety rules and procedures, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), report any hazards or incidents to your supervisor or manager, and seek medical attention if needed.
Chemical hazards:
Whether it’s manufacturing, construction, or mining, certain industries are bound to expose employees to harmful chemicals and toxins, which can lead to acute or chronic health conditions. These substances can harm you by inhalation, ingestion, skin, or eye contact. They can include gases, fumes, dust, liquids, or solids.
Some easy examples include; asbestos, lead, mercury, and pesticide poisoning in respective manufacturing, construction, mining, and agricultural industries. To protect from chemical hazards, you should read the labels and safety data sheets (SDS) of the chemicals you encounter, follow the precautions for handling them, use proper PPE, and dispose of them safely afterwards.
Biological hazards:
One of the many lessons the pandemic taught us is that workplaces can be hotbeds for infections, especially seasonal illnesses. Biological hazards are living organisms or materials that can cause infections, allergies, or diseases. They include bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, insects, animals, plants, and human bodily fluids.
People most affected by these types of hazards are healthcare and research professionals, as their designation inadvertently demands constant exposure to biological dangers.
Biological hazards include easily communicable diseases like tuberculosis, COVID-19, and anthrax or venomous bites from snakes or deadly insects. To guard against biological threats, wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitiser, avoid contact with sick people or animals if possible, get vaccinated when required and use PPE such as gloves and masks when necessary.
Psychosocial hazards:
Never before have we been more aware of psychosocial hazards and the different forms in which they manifest. They include stress, burnout, harassment, bullying, discrimination, and lack of support or recognition.
Though less evident than many other workplace hazards, a health and safety consultant can readily assess psychosocial safety issues and provide expert insight into safety precautions put in place by your employer.
Communicating openly with your colleagues and managers can immensely alleviate the effects of psychosocial hazards. If necessary, seek help from your employee assistance program (EAP) or a mental health professional if you feel overwhelmed or distressed. Also, try adopting self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, hobbies, and socialising with friends and family.
Organisational hazards:
Organisational hazards are elements within the work environment that can impact your health, safety, or personal freedom. These hazards involve policies, leadership, management styles, and organisational culture that potentially endanger your life or lead to legal complications.
Examples include poor communication, inadequate training, and unethical corporate practices. To counteract the effects of organisational hazards, you can actively engage in safety committees and provide constructive feedback for improvement on the status quo. While it is your responsibility to adhere to workplace rules and regulations for your own well-being, it is equally essential to report any ethical concerns or issues to the relevant authorities.
Note:
Remember, your health and safety are not just your responsibility but are fundamental rights you should prioritise, and your employer must uphold.
