When we think of workplace safety, we usually envision high-risk scenarios like working at heights, operating heavy machinery, or entering confined spaces. While these situations are undeniably hazardous, many workplace injuries occur in more mundane circumstances—slipping on a wet office floor, lifting a box incorrectly to move it out of the way, falling off a chair or desk to trying change a lightbulb or simply tripping over an extension lead.
While we specialize in safety training for high-risk environments, we come across constant reminders that simple hazards can be just as dangerous, if not more so.
Here are the top 10 common workplace hazards in Australia, along with practical strategies to avoid them. We’ll also look at the reasons that employers often overlook these “simple” risks, despite their potential to cause serious harm.
1. Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls account for a significant portion of workplace injuries in Australia. Surprisingly, falls from heights of less than 2 meters are responsible for a large number of fatalities. According to Safe Work Australia, 20% of fall-related fatalities between 2003 and 2015 involved falls from less than 2 meters.
Why It’s Overlooked: Employers often focus on high-risk tasks like working on scaffolding or rooftops, neglecting the risks posed by everyday hazards like wet floors or cluttered walkways.
How to Avoid this:
- Regularly inspect and maintain floors, stairs, and walkways.
- Use signs to warn of wet or slippery surfaces.
- Ensure all areas are well lit so hazards are visible.
- Keep workspaces tidy and free of clutter.
2. Manual Handling and Musculoskeletal Injuries
Manual handling tasks, such as lifting, carrying, or pushing heavy objects, is a leading cause of workplace injuries. These injuries often result from poor technique or overexertion.
Why It’s Overlooked: Employers often assume that manual handling is a low-risk activity, especially when compared to operating heavy machinery or working in confined spaces.
How to Avoid this:
- Ensure staff are all aware of proper lifting techniques.
- Use mechanical aids like trolleys or forklifts wherever practical.
- Conduct ergonomic assessments on workstations to ensure they are designed to minimize strain.
- Encourage regular breaks and stretching exercises.
3. Hazardous Chemicals and Substances
Exposure to all kinds of hazardous chemicals, even common cleaning agents, can cause burns, respiratory issues, or long-term health problems.
Why It’s Overlooked: Employers may underestimate the dangers of everyday chemicals, focusing instead on industrial-grade substances.
How to avoid this:
- Ensure you have a policy of storing chemicals safely and labeling them clearly.
- Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks, and goggles.
- Make sure employees are aware of safe handling and emergency procedures.
- Ensure there is proper ventilation in areas where chemicals are used. Install air filtration systems where necessary.
4. Mental Health and Stress
Mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, and depression, are increasingly recognized as significant workplace hazards. High workloads, poor work-life balance, and workplace bullying can contribute to these problems.
Why It’s Overlooked: Mental health is often seen as a personal issue rather than a workplace hazard, leading to a lack of proactive measures.
How to avoid this:
- Promote a supportive workplace culture that prioritizes mental health.
- Offer employee assistance programs (EAPs) and access to counseling services.
- Encourage open communication about stress and provide training on stress management.
- Address workplace bullying and harassment as soon as you are made aware of it.
5. Machinery and Equipment Hazards
Workers in industries like construction, manufacturing, and agriculture are at risk of injuries from portable equipment, like grinders, power saws and drills. These injuries can include cuts, crush injuries, or entanglement.
Why It’s Overlooked: Employers may focus on the obvious dangers of heavy machinery while ignoring risks associated with smaller, everyday power tools.
How to avoid this:
- Ensure all tools are well-maintained and fitted with safety guards.
- Provide training on the safe operation of tools and equipment, regardless of how trivial it seems.
- Conduct regular risk assessments and inspections.
- Enforce the use of PPE, such as helmets, gloves, and safety glasses.
6. Electrical Hazards
Electrical hazards, including faulty wiring, exposed cables, and improper use of equipment, can lead to electric shocks, burns, or fires.
Why It’s Overlooked: Employers may assume that electrical hazards are only a concern for electricians or in industrial settings.
How to avoid this:
- Regularly inspect electrical equipment and extension wires.
- Ensure only qualified electricians perform repairs on wiring and electrical work.
- Ensure employees are aware of electrical safety.
- Keep electrical panels and outlets accessible and clearly labeled. Use signage when an extension cable is laid out.
7. Working at Heights
Falls from heights are a leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities in industries like construction and maintenance. However, as mentioned earlier, falls from less than 2 meters can be just as deadly.
Why It’s Overlooked: Employers may focus on high-altitude risks while neglecting lower-height tasks like climbing ladders, working on low platforms, or even climbing on chairs to reach high items in the office.
How to avoid this:
- Make sure guardrails, safety harnesses, and other fall protection systems are installed.
- Conduct regular inspections and make sure ladders and scaffolding are stable and meet safety standards.
- Ensure staff are aware of the risks of working at even moderate heights.
- Make sure step ladders are available in the office where staff may have to access items out of their reach.
8. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Prolonged exposure to loud noise, particularly in industries like mining, construction, and manufacturing can result in permanent hearing damage.
Why It’s Overlooked: Employers may underestimate the cumulative impact of noise exposure over time.
How to avoid this:
- Conduct noise assessments and where possible, implement noise control measures.
- Provide hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs.
- Rotate workers in areas prone to loud noise to reduce exposure time.
- Educate employees on the risks of noise-induced hearing loss.
9. Fatigue
Fatigue can impair concentration, decision-making, and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents. It is particularly common in industries with long shifts or irregular hours, such as healthcare, transport, and mining.
Why It’s Overlooked: Employers may view fatigue as an individual issue rather than a systemic workplace hazard and push employees harder than necessary to maintain higher production levels.
How to avoid this:
Implement reasonable work schedules with adequate rest breaks.
- Encourage employees to report fatigue and take time off when needed.
- Ensure employees are aware of recognizing and managing fatigue.
- Promote healthy sleep habits and work-life balance.
10. Workplace Violence and Aggression
Workplace violence, including physical assaults, threats, or verbal abuse, can occur in any industry but is particularly prevalent in healthcare, retail, and customer service roles.
Why It’s Overlooked: Employers may assume that workplace violence is rare or unrelated to safety training.
How to avoid this:
- Develop and enforce a zero-tolerance policy for workplace violence.
- Provide training on de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution.
- Implement security measures, such as CCTV cameras and panic buttons.
- Offer support to employees who experience or witness violence.
Don’t Overlook the Simple Risks
While it’s essential to address high-risk scenarios like working at heights or in confined spaces, employers must not overlook the “simple” hazards that can lead to serious injuries.
We believe that comprehensive safety training should cover both the obvious and the overlooked risks. After all, a workplace is only as safe as its weakest link.
Did You Know?
- 20% of fall-related fatalities in Australia involve falls from less than 2 meters.
- Slips, trips, and falls account for 23% of all workplace injuries.
- Manual handling injuries cost Australian businesses $460 million annually.
Don’t let simple hazards undermine your safety efforts. Contact Zokal now, for help in creating a safer, more compliant workplace—no matter the risk level.