5 Warning Signs of an Unsafe Workplace

According to the National Safety Council, an employee is injured on the job every seven seconds. When you do the math, this adds up to around 12,900 injuries every single day!

The statistics certainly are shocking, which is why it’s essential to be extra vigilant on the job. It’s also a good idea to know what red flags to watch out for so that you can prevent accidents from occurring.

Below we will discuss five warning signs that you may see in an unsafe workplace.

Let’s get started.

Inadequate training and education

One of the easiest ways to spot an unsafe workplace is to look at their training and education practices. Every employee should be aware of the proper procedures and regulations and should be given the correct knowledge to complete their role safely.

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Lack of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

PPE gear, also known as personal protective equipment, is worn to protect an individual from injury. It includes things such as hard hats, gloves, and goggles, but what is used varies between fields.

Employers are required to provide the necessary PPE to their employees, be it a hard hat and boots for workers on a construction site, or a powered air purifying respirator papr for a doctor to wear as protection during healthcare procedures. Without doing this, a minor issue or accident could cause severe injuries and even death.

Outdated equipment

Machinery and equipment must be maintained and upgraded to function appropriately. Anything that is outdated or damaged is at an increased risk of causing injury.

If you see that the tools you are using are unsafe or not being checked frequently, it’s a severe cause of concern. Failure could put both your co-workers and your own life at risk.

Messy and unorganized environment 

Many of us don’t realize how important a clean and tidy workspace is. Clutter may seem harmless, but it’s a common cause of injuries, especially in regular office environments.

Long cords should be kept tucked away, and walkways should remain clear of boxes and other supplies. Warehouses also need to pay careful attention, especially as there is an additional risk of falling objects.

Regular overtime and excessive workloads

Finally, while working overtime is entirely normal in small amounts, there is a time when it becomes unsafe. Excessive workloads can lead to fatigue and burnout, which can be dangerous in many work environments.

If an individual is not operating at their best, it’s possible for human errors to be made. For example, they might not be able to focus correctly or may neglect to take the proper precautions because they want to go home.

Final words 

As you can see, many different factors can contribute to an unsafe workplace. If you notice any of the above, you must reach out to your management team or work health and safety officer. You should never feel pressured to work in an environment that puts your own well-being at risk.

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