Most of us are familiar with the Health and Safety precautions we have to take in the workplace. These differ from industry to industry; the risks of working on a construction site are a
world away from the risks posed working in an office environment. However, regardless of the ubiquity of health and safety in the workplace, sometimes the day becomes too busy to keep all the rules in place. This is something EHS management software can help prevent against, but of course this is a rather recent solution to health and safety problems. We’ve scoured the internet and
found some of the best health and safety fails from around the web.
1. Ladders
Whether you’re using a leaning ladder or a stepladder, ensuring that the ladder is the correct height for the task at hand is acrucial health and safety concern. We’re not quite sure the guy in this picture got the memo. We’ve got to give him points for having a friend
steady the bottom ladder, at least!
2. Electrical Wiring
Technology is a key part of the workplace, whether that is computer leads in an office space or wiring a house on a construction site, electricity will no doubt play a part in your everyday
work life. Ensuring safety of workers around electrical equipment is of the utmost importance, as the risk of serious injury and even death is always present around electrical
currents. Our friend below, however, has adopted a slightly more ‘devil may care’ attitude toward safety around electrics.
3. Protective Wear
Protective wear, or personal protective equipment (PPE) as the Health and Safety Executive [1] terms it, is essential for
any working in an environment where falling materials, contaminated air, or corrosive liquids pose a hazard. Goggles would be one such example, but we’re not sure two glasses duct-taped to your
face quite counts…
And while we’re at it, putting an empty water bottle over your entire head, while ensuring greater coverage, doesn’t quite comply with PPE regulations either!
4. Vehicle Safety
The Health and Safety Executive warns that unsafe loads on vehicles injure more than 1,200 people a year and cost businesses
millions of pounds in damaged goods. Securing loaded vehicles prevents loss of goods and accidents to those on the road. This is especially advisable if you’re carrying flammable liquid on a moped,
just seems like common sense really.
5. Manual Handling
According to the HSE, manual handling injuries are the most common types of occupational injuries throughout the UK [3].
Therefore, it’s important to ensure the correct posture is adopted when lifting and carrying in the workplace. We feel this is particularly good advice if you happen to be lifting your work
colleague out of a manhole by his trousers. We hope he, at least, has a helmet on!
6. Flammables
A basic awareness of the threats to health and safety posed by flammable materials is applicable in almost any
workplace. If flammable liquids or materials are stored too close to a source of ignition, the risk of a fire increases exponentially. Something like, say, a lit cigarette near flammable gas? What
was he thinking?
7. Storage
Storage areas should always be clearly designated, stable in structure and an appropriate size for the materials they are meant to be storing. This helps to prevent any unnecessary accidents
associated with the storage of materials, such as slips, and trips associated with oils, liquids, or badly stored objects. We wouldn’t, however, suggest, propping up a pallet of bricks on an
unsteady, single pillar of the very same bricks. Just doesn’t seem like a good idea, right?
8. First Aid
A trained first aider and a well-stocked first aid kit are a must for every workplace. Keeping
track of the contents of your first aid kit, and appointing someone to replenish supplies is a must, to avoid a situation like this…
9. Confined Spaces
Confined spaces pose a threat when in the workplace for a number of reasons, such as lack of oxygen or the presence of dangerous materials and objects. For this reason, the engine of an
aircraft might not be the best place to crawl into for a work photo.
10. Alcohol
It doesn’t take a genius to work out that alcohol in the workplace is basically a recipe for disaster. Your judgement is impaired, leaving you unable to perform your job properly and leaving
you liable to further accidents. Although we suppose that falling asleep at your desk is the least of your worries!
Contact us today to see how our software solutions can help you avoid safety fails like this and create a measurable and demonstrably safer working environment. For more information,
contact EcoOnlinetoday.
Sources:
[1] https://www.hse.gov.uk/toolbox/ppe.htm
[2] https://www.hse.gov.uk/workplacetransport/loadsafety/index.htm
[3] https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg383.pdf
