As we spend a large portion of our day to day lives at work, it’s important that we can feel safe and secure whilst on the job. Indeed, important legislation is in place in the UK that is specifically designed to minimise risks in the workplace under the umbrella document known as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

 

Although you may think your workspace is safe, it is important to remain vigilant, watching out for the telltale signs of a potential accident. With this in mind, we’ve decided to list some of the most common workplace hazards to be aware of.

 

Messy workspace

A tidy space makes a tidy mind and this is especially true of your workspace. An untidy work environment can have much more serious consequences if not properly resolved.

 

Any mess left in the way of employees creates a significant trip hazard and, in the event of a fire, items that may hinder your evacuation could cause a serious health risk. With this in mind, it’s important to stay on top of the cleaning rota in order to minimise these risks.

 

Electronics

It’s quite likely that you work with some form of electronic equipment which has, to an extent, desensitised us to the potential dangers electronics can pose. On a minor level, extension cords crisscrossing the office can cause trip hazards, however, it is faulty electronics which pose the biggest threat.

 

Bad wiring or broken electrical equipment can very easily lead to the risk of electrocution, so it is vital that electronics are regularly checked to ensure that they are working properly.

 

Work organisation hazards

Sometimes, hazards can arise not from the environment or the equipment you interact with, but from your colleagues or even the job itself. Factors such as workplace bullying, work demands, sexual or physical harassment and abuse in the workplace are all very real problems that can significantly affect your wellbeing in the workplace.

 

If you feel as though you are being put under unnecessary stress by your work or by another colleague, it is vital that you speak to your HR representative immediately.

 

Ergonomic hazards

Whenever your body is put under any unnecessary physical strain, these can be seen as ergonomic hazards. This can include anything from improperly adjusted work stations to

 

lack of training when lifting heavy objects. Although these issues can quite easily be ignored, they can become worse over time so you should look to rectify them before they become a more severe problem.

 

Catherine Higgins Law – Protecting your rights at work

Sustaining an injury at work can be a distressing experience, especially if said injury occurred through no fault of your own. If you have been the victim of workplace negligence, it is important to contact the professionals to ensure your voice is heard.

 

At Catherine Higgins Law, our team of qualified and experienced solicitors are on hand to help you with your case, working tirelessly in pursuit of a positive outcome for your claim.

 

For more information on how we can help you, get in touch or visit our Woolton offices to discuss your claim.