10 Safety Topics To Reduce Workplace Safety Risk

For employers, workplace safety isn’t just about mitigating risks and protecting your bottom line; it’s also the right thing to do. Every employee deserves to get home safely after a long day of work.

However, while some workplace safety risks are more universal, each workplace is subject to unique hazards. It may not be clear where to begin addressing them, especially for small business owners with many other things on their plate.

To help, we’ve put together a list of 10 safety topics that will help you reduce your workplace safety risks.

1. Slips, Trips, and Falls

Slips, trips, and falls are prevalent workplace safety hazards in almost every industry. These incidents can result from wet or uneven surfaces, poor lighting, improper footwear, poor facility maintenance, or clutter and disorganization.

Employees at companies with high traffic and material handling, such as warehouses and retail, are especially vulnerable.

How to Mitigate the Risk of Falls

Mitigating the risk of these workplace safety incidents requires a combination of vigilance and good housekeeping.

• Ensure all walkways are free of obstacles and well-lit.
• Use appropriate non-slip footwear and signage to indicate wet or hazardous areas.

Relevant Regulation

OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1910.22) require employers to keep workplaces free of known slip and trip hazards.

2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential when workers are exposed to hazards like chemicals, machinery, and biological agents. These are common to industries such as construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and laboratories.

Improving Workplace Safety With PPE

PPE includes items like helmets, gloves, eye protection, and respiratory gear, which help protect workers from injury and exposure.

• Always provide comprehensive training on the correct use and maintenance of PPE.
• Regularly inspect and replace PPE to ensure it remains effective.

Relevant Regulation

OSHA’s PPE standards (29 CFR 1910.132) mandate that employers provide appropriate PPE and ensure its proper use.

3. Fire Safety

Fire safety is another workplace safety risk common to all industries. Industries with flammable materials and heavy equipment can face increased fire risks. Manufacturing, construction, and hospitality are particularly vulnerable.

Avoiding Fire Safety Risks

Fire hazards can result in significant property damage, injuries, or fatalities. Avoiding them requires adherence to best practices as well as a clear commitment from everyone involved.

• Conduct regular fire drills and maintain clear, accessible evacuation routes.
• Ensure fire extinguishers are readily available and that employees are trained in their use.

Relevant Regulation

OSHA standards (29 CFR 1910.157) outline requirements for fire protection, including the maintenance and use of portable fire extinguishers.

4. Ergonomics

Ergonomic workplace safety risks include improper workstation setups, repetitive motions, and poor posture. They are common in both office environments and physically demanding industries like manufacturing and construction.

Improving Ergonomic Setups

Poor ergonomic practices are subtle but can lead to long-term problems like musculoskeletal disorders, chronic pain, and decreased productivity. Help your employees avoid these risks by:

• Providing adjustable workstations that fit the individual needs of employees and encourage proper posture.
• Promoting regular breaks and stretching exercises to prevent strain and injuries.

Ergonomics Guidelines

OSHA does not have specific ergonomic regulations, but their ergonomics guidelines provide some best practices for avoiding this workplace safety risk.

5. Electrical Safety

Electrical workplace safety risks include electric shocks, burns, and fires resulting from faulty wiring, improper use of equipment, or inadequate maintenance. They pose significant risks in industries such as construction and maintenance, or anywhere employees work with electrical systems and equipment.

Mitigation Practices

Electrical safety risks can be extremely dangerous–often deadly. Worse, they can be invisible, especially to employees without proper training.

• Conduct regular inspections and maintenance of electrical equipment and systems.
• Train employees on the proper use and handling of electrical devices to avoid hazards.

Electrical Safety Regulations

OSHA’s electrical standards (29 CFR 1910 Subpart S) provide comprehensive guidelines on electrical safety.

6. Chemical Safety

Chemical hazards are things like chemical burns, poisoning, and respiratory problems caused by improper handling of chemicals. Anywhere chemicals are commonly handled–industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and laboratories–are particularly susceptible to this workplace safety risk.

Ensuring Proper Chemical Handling

Chemical safety is a matter of best practices and thorough procedures, which makes training and access to information a top priority.

• Provide thorough and recurrent training on handling, storing, and disposing of chemicals safely.
• Ensure easy access to and understanding of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemicals used.

Chemical Safety Regulations

OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) requires employers to inform and train employees about chemical hazards and safety measures.

7. First Aid Training

First aid training is essential in all workplaces to ensure quick and effective responses to medical emergencies. Employees trained in first aid can provide immediate care, reducing the severity of injuries and potentially saving lives.

Providing First Aid Training

First aid training is one of the simplest and most universally applicable ways to mitigate workplace safety risks.

• Every workplace can benefit from some kind of first-aid training sessions and refreshers for employees.
• Ensuring first aid kits are readily accessible and well-stocked can also be a great way to immediately address incidents.

First Aid Guidelines

OSHA recommends providing first aid training and equipment, but does not have specific regulations for all industries​.

8. Incident and Hazard Reporting Processes

Though it’s not a risk per se, employees' ability to promptly report hazards and incidents is critical to maintaining a safe work environment across all industries.

Encouraging employees to report unsafe conditions or near-misses without fear of reprisal helps identify potential workplace safety risks before they result in accidents.

Encouraging Hazard Reporting

Establishing clear reporting procedures and ensuring all employees are familiar with them is essential for effective hazard management.

• Focus on creating straightforward, anonymous reporting systems for hazards and incidents.
• Have a system in place for regularly reviewing and acting on reported hazards to prevent future incidents.

Regulations Surrounding Reporting

OSHA requires employers to report severe injuries and fatalities within specified timeframes (29 CFR 1904.39).

9. Building Security

Unauthorized building access is another hidden workplace safety risk. Unauthorized access and breaches can lead to theft, data loss, or physical harm. It’s of particular importance in industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology, where sensitive information is present and vulnerable.

Maintaining Building Security

Implementing strict access controls can significantly enhance building security.

• Use secure keycards or biometric systems to limit entry to authorized personnel.
• Install and maintain surveillance cameras and alarm systems to deter and detect unauthorized access.

OSHA on Building Security

Osha does not have specific building security requirements. However, OSHA’s General Duty Clause requires employers to provide a safe workplace, which may include measures to prevent unauthorized access.

10. Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Substance abuse can be a major workplace safety risk. Inebriated employees can cause problems ranging from decreased productivity to life-threatening accidents. Workplaces that make use of heavy machinery or vehicles must take special care to mitigate risks posed by substance abuse.

Promoting a Sober Workplace

Substance abuse is often a hidden problem. Mitigating it requires a judgment-free environment, strict policies, and access to resources.

• Start with a comprehensive drug and alcohol policy.
• Encourage employees to speak up about problems before they get overwhelmed.
• Provide access to employee assistance programs (EAPs) for those needing help with substance abuse.

Federal Contractors are Required to Enforce Drug-Free Workplaces

The Drug-Free Workplace Act requires federal contractors and grantees to maintain a drug-free workplace.

BBSI Can Help Identify Your Specific Workplace Safety Risks

Every workplace can benefit from a comprehensive overview of its unique workplace safety risks. While some risks, like fire and substance abuse, can be universal, others may not be as obvious.

Still, making the effort to identify them is critical to adhering to laws and regulations.

If you need help determining which workplace safety risks your company might be facing, BBSI can help you identify workplace hazards and develop a mitigation roadmap that proactively limits your exposure.

Contact your local BBSI representative for more information.