Unfortunately, many employers claim to provide safe and healthy work environments but never deliver on their promises.
They think paying a salary is more than enough to meet their responsibilities. But, there’s more to a work environment than simply getting the job done.
If things were that simple, the world’s economy would be very different. Though health and safety laws are in place in most countries, many employers willingly neglect them and choose to make their own decisions.
This article will talk about common workplace hazards that can be life-threatening and a holistic idea of what you can do to stay safe. Let’s get started.
1. Asbestos exposure
In the primary sector, construction work requires individuals to work with some pretty dangerous chemicals and substances.
One of the most commonly encountered substances is Asbestos, which causes a form of cancer known as Mesothelioma.
It is terminal, and the most you can do is prolong the time you have by a few months if diagnosed in time.
The sad truth is that many employers know their workers could be exposed to the substance yet choose to hide it from them.
In turn, workers suffer poisoning, develop cancer and spend the rest of their days going through treatment.
After a positive diagnosis, getting another opinion is sometimes useless because Mesothelioma is almost always detected late.
Regardless of where you work in the primary sector, it would be best to take safety into your own hands. Using protective gear and equipment helps a lot, so consider wearing PPE, masks, and gloves.
Carpal tunnel
One of the most common illnesses/injuries in the corporate workplace is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This is a nerve-related issue in your palms, which is frequently caused when nerves in hand are pinched during typing.
It may not seem like much, but the condition could lead to permanent nerve damage in hand and forearm in severe cases.
Not to mention it is excruciating, the hand goes numb, and you may feel tingling sensations in your fingers, which could travel up the arm.
If you work at a desk and the majority of your daily routine includes typing, consider taking short breaks, flexing your hands, and generally working on your grip.
Moreover, it is always a good idea to exercise and work your arms and forearms in the gym. Grip exercises and strengthening your flexor muscles could help avoid the condition and prevent this extremely unpleasant condition.
Construction-related injuries
If you work as a carpenter, construction worker, electrician, or plumber, your employer must provide you with the necessary gear and tools to maintain safety on the job.
9/10 times you may think that there are no issues on the job and it is safe for the most part, but it takes one lapse of judgment to make for a life-altering day.
One misplaced step, a forgotten helmet, or randomly placed machinery could change your life forever if you aren’t careful.
You must be vigilant when working on a construction site. There are open gaps and live wires that can electrocute.
Make sure you have the right gear like hard hats and insulated gloves. Moreover, steel-toed boots and thick overalls could go a long way in protecting you as well.
You need to take your safety into your own hands if you think that your employer isn’t doing a good enough job.
Carbon poisoning
It’s rare but not unheard of. In buildings that rely on central ventilation, carbon through the vents can poison the workers and cause severe breathing issues.
In some cases, carbon monoxide poisoning could lead to death. It would be wise to get a carbon alarm in the office; whether or not your employer does it for you is irrelevant.
If you have access to windows, open them once in a while to allow fresh air circulation in your working space.
COVID-19
With new variants like Delta and Omicron surfacing every few months, it would be wise to take whatever precautions you can to avoid spreading the virus.
Wearing facemasks, frequent use of sanitizers, and social distancing are just some of the many factors you should consider while working through this current pandemic.
In general, work-from-home options are safer; however, most companies would prefer it if their employees were physically coming to the office.
There is very little that your employer can do for you during an ongoing pandemic. You have to take preventive measures to keep yourself and those around you safe.
Conclusion
There we have it, some of the most common hazards in the workplace that you’ll want to avoid at all costs. You need to realize how serious the situation is at times and that no one is looking out for you but yourself.
We have gone over everything from chemical substance exposure to COVID-19 prevention in 2022. With that said, manage yourself better to ensure you don’t fall victim to any of these life-threatening conditions.
