Workplace safety risks affect businesses of every size, but small and medium-sized employers often face the greatest challenges due to limited time and resources, and a lack of in-house expertise.
From everyday hazards to compliance-related blind spots, unmanaged risks can quickly lead to injuries, disruptions, and costly claims. This guide breaks down ten of the most impactful workplace safety topics, including:
We’ll start with one of the most frequent causes of workplace injuries: slips, trips, and falls.
Slips, trips, and falls are one of the most common workplace safety risks across construction, manufacturing, warehousing, and office environments, often resulting from poor housekeeping, inadequate lighting, or missing fall protection.
OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1910.22) require employers to keep workplaces free of known slip and trip hazards.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for workplace safety when hazards cannot be fully eliminated, particularly in high-risk environments where injuries occur despite engineering or administrative controls.
OSHA’s PPE standards (29 CFR 1910.132) mandate that employers provide appropriate PPE and ensure its proper use.
Fire safety risks may be less frequent than other workplace hazards, but they carry severe consequences, especially in environments involving flammable materials, hot work, or electrical systems.
OSHA standards (29 CFR 1910.157) outline requirements for fire protection, including the maintenance and use of portable fire extinguishers.
Beyond fire hazards, repetitive tasks and poor workstation design can quietly create long-term injury risks.
Ergonomic risks contribute to some of the most common workplace injuries by placing repeated strain on the body through poor workstation design, manual lifting, or repetitive tasks.
OSHA does not have specific ergonomic regulations, but its ergonomics guidelines provide some best practices for avoiding this workplace safety risk.
As physical demands increase, exposure to electrical hazards also becomes a critical workplace safety concern.
Electrical safety hazards such as exposed wiring, improper equipment use, and failure to de-energize systems can lead to shock, burns, fires, and serious injuries across many workplaces.
OSHA’s electrical standards (29 CFR 1910 Subpart S) provide comprehensive guidelines on electrical safety.
Chemical exposure presents another high-impact risk that requires strict controls and clear communication.
Chemical hazards put employees at risk when materials are mishandled, mislabeled, or improperly stored, leading to both immediate injuries and long-term health effects.
OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) requires employers to inform and train employees about chemical hazards and safety measures.
First aid training is important because a fast, informed response can significantly reduce the severity of workplace injuries while emergency services are on the way.
OSHA recommends providing first aid training and equipment, but does not have specific regulations for all industries.
Unreported hazards and near-miss incidents increase workplace safety risk by allowing dangerous conditions to persist until a serious injury occurs.
OSHA requires employers to report severe injuries and fatalities within specified timeframes (29 CFR 1904.39).
Beyond internal processes, controlling access to the workplace also plays a role in employee safety.
Building security impacts workplace safety by controlling access to facilities and reducing the risk of theft, violence, and unauthorized exposure to hazardous areas.
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.
Substance abuse increases workplace safety risk by impairing judgment, reaction time, and decision-making, particularly in safety-sensitive roles.
The Drug-Free Workplace Act requires federal contractors and grantees to maintain a drug-free workplace.
With these core safety risks addressed, businesses can take a more proactive and structured approach to workplace safety overall.
Reducing risks in the workplace requires more than a one-time fix. It takes consistent oversight, informed policies, and a proactive approach across every part of your operation. By addressing these ten safety topics, businesses can protect their employees while strengthening long-term stability.
For many organizations, partnering with a PEO that understands workplace safety from both a regulatory and practical standpoint can make that process far more manageable. BBSI helps businesses turn safety priorities into sustainable practices that grow with them. Start a conversation with your local BBSI representative today to learn more.
Workplace safety risks can arise from everyday hazards, process gaps, and training deficiencies, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. This guide outlines ten of the most common workplace safety risks and explains practical ways employers can reduce injuries, improve compliance awareness, and protect their workforce. It also highlights how a proactive, structured approach to workplace safety supports long-term business stability.
Disclaimer: OSHA requirements vary by industry (e.g., general industry vs. construction). The examples in this article reference common OSHA provisions, but additional or different rules may apply depending on your operations. Additionally, the article provides general information and summaries regarding certain OSHA standards for convenience, but for complete requirements, review the cited regulations in full and consult with qualified safety and legal advisors as needed.