Small businesses face many of the same health and safety risks as larger businesses, but they have fewer resources available to manage these risks.
Most health and safety risks can be easily avoided by following a systematic approach to understanding hazards, mitigating risks and training staff on how to protect their own well-being.
It is important for small businesses to identify and assess the health and safety risks in their workplace and take steps to control these risks. This can be done by conducting a risk assessment, which involves identifying hazards, evaluating the risks associated with those hazards, and taking steps to control the risks.
We explain the causes and consequences of each hazard and simple steps to reduce their risk in your business.
These are the most common types of workplace accidents. Injuries can range from minor to life-changing, or in the extremes, loss of life.
A slip is when you lose your footing and slide. A trip is when you catch your foot on something and fall. A fall is when you come down suddenly from an elevated position.
Lifting heavy objects without proper training or technique can lead to back and other muscle injuries. Lifting injuries can affect any body part, but they are most common in the back, shoulders, and knees.
The injuries can range from mild to severe. Mild injuries may cause pain, swelling, and stiffness. Severe injuries may require surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
There are a number of causes of lifting injuries, from using improper lifting techniques, lifting awkwardly or with a twisted body, to lifting objects that are too large, bulky, out of balance or too high or too low.
Electrical hazards are the potential dangers associated with electrical systems. These hazards can cause injuries such as burns, electrocution, arc flash, and electric shock, and in extreme cases, they can even lead to fires or explosions.
Common electrical hazards include exposed wires, faulty electrical equipment, overloaded circuits, improper grounding, damaged insulation, wet conditions and contact with overhead power lines.
Chemical exposure hazards are the potential dangers associated with contact with chemicals. These hazards can cause a variety of health problems, depending on the type of chemical, the route of exposure, and the amount of exposure.
Chemical exposure hazards can be found in all environments, from homes and workplaces to industrial and commercial facilities.
Common chemical hazards include cleaning products, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, paints, coatings and automotive or industrial chemicals.
Chemical exposure can have several effects on health, including skin irritation, burns, respiratory problems, eye irritation and burns, cancer and neurological problems.
Noise exposure is the amount of noise that you are exposed to over a period of time. Noise is measured in decibels (dB). A decibel is a unit of loudness. The louder the noise, the higher the decibel level.
Excessive noise exposure can damage hearing and lead to other health problems, such as tinnitus and stress. The louder the noise and the longer you are exposed to it, the greater your risk of hearing loss.
The effects of noise exposure can vary depending on the loudness of the noise and the length of time you are exposed to it.
In the short term, it can lead to temporary hearing loss, tinnitus, ear pain, fatigue and stress. If the exposure persists, it can lead to permanent hearing loss, cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, sleeping and cognitive problems
Ergonomic hazards are physical conditions or factors in the workplace that can pose a risk of injury to the musculoskeletal system due to poor ergonomics. These hazards include awkward or static postures, high forces, repetitive motion, or short intervals between activities.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can be painful and debilitating, and they can make it difficult to work or perform everyday activities. Ergonomic hazards can cause back, neck, shoulder, wrist, elbow or knee pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis.
Ergonomic hazards are preventable. By taking steps to protect yourself from ergonomic hazards, you can help prevent MSDs and other injuries.
There are a number of ways that employers and employees can reduce the risks posed by ergonomic hazards.
Small businesses are often at increased risk of fire due to limited storage space, flammable materials, and lack of fire protection systems.
Fire hazards are any materials, conditions, or actions that can increase the likelihood of a fire starting or spreading.
They can lead to serious consequences, including property damage, injuries, and death. It is important to be aware of fire hazards and take steps to prevent them.
Small businesses may also face specific risks depending on their industry and activities. For example, a construction company may face risks associated with working with heavy machinery and hazardous materials, while a restaurant may face risks associated with food safety and fire hazards.
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