Many health and safety risks happen in workplace buildings stem from accidents, but even accidents can have dangerous consequences. As business owners, it’s important to be aware of these common accidents that can take place in the workplace to prevent them. Here are some common workplace hazards that occur in commercial buildings that you should familiarize yourself with in advance.
Equipment Failure or Misuse
No matter what type of equipment your employees use in your commercial building, it can pose threats to health and safety. For example, heavy-duty equipment in a warehouse can obviously cause injuries when mishandled, but an in-office paper shredder can also be dangerous when employees misuse it. Identify what kinds of equipment your workplace utilizes and ensure that employees have all the training necessary for operation. Additionally, never skip equipment maintenance for your tools and technology. Maintenance neglect can lead to irreparable equipment damage or more serious injuries if your employees attempt to use it like normal.
Fires
Fires are major health risks for any business, big or small. This is because fires can stem from anything, such as an office kitchen accident or an issue with faulty electrical wiring. Fires aren’t just common; they can also be devastating for people and properties. For this reason, many businesses equip their commercial buildings with intumescent coatings to protect them from fires. This type of fire-retardant coating helps prevent the spread of fires if they occur, which can give your team more time to evacuate and prevent additional property damage.
Safety Hazards
General safety hazards in most commercial buildings include events like trips, falls, and head injuries. These accidents are common in many businesses, but fortunately, there are several ways to prevent them. Responsible planning of your workspace layout can help prevent many trips and falls, which you can often attribute to poor wiring, low lighting, and other small office details. Managers should make their teams aware of these risks and get everyone involved to prevent them. Encourage your employees to report dangerous workplace conditions to prevent accidents before they occur.
Commercial buildings range from small offices to warehouses, but accidents can occur in any type of workplace. Remember these workplace hazards that can occur in commercial buildings and how to prevent them. This way, you can create a safer environment for your business.
