Different forms of hazardous work are always present on a job site. Whether it’s working with heavy machinery or certain chemicals, it’s your job to be aware of tasks which could put your employees at risk.
We’ve come up with a list of work which is considered hazardous so you can take the necessary precautions needed to reduce the possibility of harm:
- Working at heights: working at heights is one of the most hazardous types of work as employees could be working on unstable structures. This could result in falling, which can be avoided with strong scaffolding and guard rails, as well as fall protection gear.
- Working with heavy machinery: Working with heavy machinery poses several risks such as being caught in or between moving parts, amputations, electrocutions, shocks, and burns. Make sure workers are properly trained on how to use this equipment, lockout tagout procedures, as well as how to avoid injury. It’s your job to also install machine guards and provide personal protective equipment.
- Working underground: Having the earth caving in while workers are underground is a legitimate hazard and fear. For this reason, you must take all the precautions needed to ensure this doesn’t happen.
- Confined spaces: At times, workers can work in confined or tight spaces where they may be at risk of loss of consciousness, explosions, and more. Do all you can to remove potential hazards present and have an emergency plan in place.
- Hot work: Workers usually need a permit to conduct hot work, because it’s considered a high-risk job. This includes anything that has to do with ignition sources that may be near material that can easily catch on fire.
- Electrical work: A permit is also needed when conducting electrical work because there is the risk of shock, electrocution, or worse.
- The use of ladders: Improper use of ladders is one of the most common causes of injury, as many workers don’t secure them effectively before ascending. Make sure all workers are given the necessary training on how to use a ladder to avoid any hazards.
- Working with dangerous chemicals: Several dangerous chemicals like forever chemicals, asbestos, and more can cause major health risks to your employees. Be vigilant of all chemicals on site and provide the necessary safety data sheets and training needed for workers to conduct their jobs safely.
- Work that involves bodily strain and stress: Not all hazards are visible to the naked eye. That’s why you also must be on the lookout for ergonomic hazards which may cause unnecessary strain on the body, as well as stress which could lead to poor mental health.
- Transportation: There are so many additional risks and hazards to think about when workers are operating vehicles. Always make sure workers have the right certification and training to operate trucks and cars.
- Working alone: At times workers can work in remote locations on their own. For this reason, have emergency response procedures in place in case something were to go wrong.
Need more guidance on how to properly identify and analyse hazards in the workplace to keep your teams safe? Check out our blog on this topic now: