Potential (संभावित) Workplace Hazards (Occupational Hazards)

Workplace hazards poses potential harm to people at work, and that can cause damage to the work environment and everything else in it.

1. Physical Hazards: These include risks related to the working in physical aspects such as machinery, noise, extreme temperature, falling objects, etc. It is the risks arising from the physical workplace like – floors, walls, and ceilings etc.
2. Electrical Hazards: At work, the common causes of electrical accidents are exposed, worn-out wiring, overloading of electrical outlets, ungrounded or faulty equipment, and unsafe use of electrical equipment.
   Employees must also be provided instructions about electrical safety, such as keeping water and food items away from electrical equipment. Electrical technician and engineers should carry out routine inspections of all wiring to make sure there are no damaged or broken wires.
3. Fire Hazards: Everyone not follows the housekeeping standards to ensure fire safety and this leads to accidents resulting to fire. Such incidents damage the vital workplace equipment, stock, other items and the building. It could also lead to injuries among its employees. To avoid fire, it is important that employees should be aware of all emergency exits, including fire escape routes of the office building and also the locations of fire extinguishers and alarms.
4. Health Hazards: Hazards are present in most workplaces that could impact any part of the human body either external like skin, eyes, ears, nose etc. or internal like respiratory, cardiovascular system, nervous system, etc.
   For example, a noisy machine could damage the sense of hearing of the workers, exposure to bright lights, toxic fumes and vapour could damage the eyes and nose, damage to the lungs because of the exposure to harmful chemicals, etc.
5. Ergonomic Hazard: When the type of work, body position and working conditions put strain on your body this type of hazard is called Ergonomic hazard. Example – Poor lighting, improperly adjusted chairs, frequent lifting, poor posture, repeating the same movements over and over, use of too much force frequently, etc.

Potential Sources of Hazards

1. Hazards using Computers: Hazards while using computers include poor sitting postures or excessive duration of sitting in one position may result in pain and strain, making the same movement repetitively can cause muscle fatigue and glare from the computer screen can be harmful to the eyes.
   Stretching at regular intervals or doing some simple yoga in your seat can mitigate such hazards.
2. Handling Office Equipment: Improper handling of office equipment can result in injuries. For example, sharp-edged equipment if not handled properly, can cause cuts. A relevant manual should be made available to the Staff members that guide to handle equipment properly.
3. Handling Objects: Lifting or moving heavy items without proper procedure or techniques can be a source of potential hazard. Always follow approved procedure and proper posture for lifting or moving objects.
4. Stress at Work: Long working hours can be stressful and so can aggressive conflicts or arguments with colleagues. Always look for ways for conflict resolution with colleagues. Have some relaxing hobbies for stress against long working hours.
5. Working Environment: It may include poor ventilation, chairs and tables of inappropriate height, hard furniture, poor lighting, staff unaware of emergency procedures, or poor housekeeping. Staff should be made aware of organisation’s policies to fight against unsuitable working environment.

Safety Guidelines Checklist to control Hazards

1. Store all cleaning chemicals in tightly closed containers in separate cupboards.
2. Make sure all areas have proper lighting.
3. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry when working with machines.
4. Never distract the attention of people who are working near a fire or with some machinery, tools or equipment.
5. Where required, wear protective items, such as goggles, safety glasses, masks, gloves, and hair nets.
6. Shut down all machines before leaving for the workplace.
7. Do not operate machines or equipment until you have been properly trained.
8. Do not use equipment if it smokes, sparks or looks unsafe.
9. Report any unsafe condition or acts to your supervisor.
10. Do not smoke in ‘No Smoking’ areas.

Office Ergonomics: Ergonomics is the science concerned with designing and arranging things so that people can use them easily and safely to improve performance and productivity. It emphasizes the identification of early warning signs to reduce the potential hazards.