Most workplace hazards are as plain as a pikestaff. That sparking and smoking electrical outlet? Dangerous. The broken fan hanging precariously overhead? Probably shouldn’t walk underneath that. A massive hole in the floor? Yeah, that probably should’ve been fixed ages ago.
But other workplace hazards aren’t as obvious. These hidden hazards can wreak havoc on your business from the shadows. Here are some common hidden safety hazards in the workplace and how to stop them in their tracks.
Malfunctioning Automatic Doors
You don’t have to worry about manual doors becoming sentient monsters bent on destruction. But automatic doors? When these high-tech doors are in good condition, they work like a charm, but when they malfunction, they do a full 360.
Malfunctioning doors can begin to open and close at random, trapping or wounding unsuspecting customers and employees. Luckily, performing regular maintenance on your automatic doors will stave off malfunctions and failures, ensuring that people can enter and exit your business without fear.
Stored Energy
Your machines and equipment may be storing dangerous amounts of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal, or chemical power. If your somehow inadvertently release this potent energy, anyone in the vicinity could sustain serious injuries—burns, contusions, abrasions, lacerations, and more.
Stored energy is a hidden safety hazard in the workplace that’s easy to miss. To prevent injuries from this phenomenon, you’ll need to identify the machines and equipment that have stored energy and perform regular inspections and maintenance on them.
Poor Posture
Slouching is something that many people do unconsciously. You can’t force your employees to correct their posture. You can, however, educate them on the importance of good posture, as poor posture can lead to back pain, soreness, varicose veins, and a whole host of other unpleasant conditions. You can also encourage good posture in the workplace by introducing ergonomic equipment, such as desks and chairs, and providing employees with ample stretch breaks.