5 Workplace Safety Issues Too Serious To Be Overlooked

One of the tragic mistakes people make is putting productivity first, and safety at the workplace second. Not only is this just a lawsuit waiting to happen, but it’s highly immoral as well. But, you would be surprised how often safety issue springs up not due to malice, but due to negligence. Some people simply forget some very basic safety precautions that are supposed to be practiced in the workplace. That’s why we’ve compiled this list as a reminder, just in case.

Mold

One of the first things people overlook is mold build-up. It can cause a host of issues, from asthma, to allergies. It is absolutely horrible for people’s health, and will destroy productivity. It can even cause skin and eye irritation in more serious cases. Know that if you have an office that is low, on bottom floors or even inside of a basement, that you are at high risk of getting mold. Perform regular check-ups, hire somebody to deal with it if you have to.

Asbestos

Asbestos is an absolute no-go. The health issues caused by asbestos have been documented for a long time. And yet, people still sometimes use it, against any and all regulations. And in some places, it isn’t regulated at all. But no matter where you live, know that this isn’t a joke.

Asbestos can still be found in many old buildings, since it’s an excellent insulator. However, your office building needs to be checked for any trace of asbestos. Its seriously cancerogenic, and you need to get rid of it stat. It should, in fact, be your number one priority.

Rails and Fences

This one really depends on your line of work. Namely, if you work at a place like a construction site, or any other field where there is a chance a person can actually fall and hurt themselves, you need to invest in proper safety precautions. There are always high-quality temporary fence panels for sale somewhere, as well as rails and walkways. Don’t go cheap, try to get the best you can.

You need to keep your people protected, and an unsafe work environment will destroy morale and efficiency. Not to mention how cheap your company will end up looking. If needed, redistribute your budget. Invest in all the safety and warning signs you need as well.

Stress Management

Stress is a mind killer. For decades now, doctors have been warning about just what kind of damage stress causes. That’s why you should do everything you can do regulate it. Depending on your line of work, you need to manage stress accordingly. Did you notice one of your employees has been overworked, putting in overtime every day for a month? Give them a day off, help them relax.

Did your whole team just finish an incredibly stressful and difficult project? Treat them, give them a bonus, or let them leave work early for a couple of days. Furthermore, you can avoid the actual occurrence of stress if you practice due diligence. Have plan A, B, C, and D ready to cover any issue that may show up. Provide adequate stress management training as well. Know that if it snowballs, stress can cause serious burnout and waste of talent.

Emotional issues

Emotional safety at the workplace is all about trust and feeling respect. It can be loosely defined as the employee having enough trust placed in the employer to feel open and vulnerable. An employee should feel that he or she can bring up any issue or problem to the employer and that he or she will be respected and heard.

An employee needs to know that the employer has their best interest at heart. The opposite of this would be any kind of bullying or harassment they may suffer. Being strict but fair is one thing, but a manager venting his frustrations at his workers will absolutely tank productivity and morale.

Remember, the last thing you want is somebody getting hurt due to negligence. And some of these issues, like stress management and employee emotions, may not come to mind at first. But, know that they are just as important as asbestos, mould, and lack of proper railings. You need to keep both your employee’s minds and bodies safe.