What do an office chair, overhead cables, and your company’s rest area have in common? They’re all bizarre workplace hazards that could be hiding in plain sight. You might not think of them as risks, but they can cause serious health and safety issues. This is where NEBOSH Courses come into play, making these concepts clear.
Employers can identify and tackle even the most unusual dangers by understanding and applying this framework. Let’s examine five odd hazards and how the Hierarchy of Control NEBOSH helps create safer workspaces for everyone.
Common Bizarre Hazards the NEBOSH Hierarchy Addresses
Workplaces often present unexpected hazards, from the comfort of your office chair to the layout of your rest spaces. Let’s explore some of these unusual risks and see how the NEBOSH Hierarchy of Controls helps mitigate them:
1. The Hazard of Office Chair Ergonomics
While office workers may not immediately link their desk chairs with risk, poorly designed office chairs can lead to long-term musculoskeletal issues such as chronic back pain and repetitive strain injuries. The NEBOSH Hierarchy of Controls helps address this issue by promoting proper ergonomics in the workplace and recommending the removal of poorly constructed furniture.
The ideal solution at the top of the hierarchy is to eliminate the risk by replacing ergonomic office chairs that improve posture and reduce strain. If this isn’t feasible, the next best step is to design out the risk by using workstations that promote healthy posture, standing desks, or adjustable chairs.
2. The Hidden Danger of Overhead Cables
Though they might seem minor, overhead cables can pose significant safety risks, especially in areas with high foot traffic. Employees tripping over loose cables or dangling wires in spaces like warehouses or large offices can lead to falls, bruises, or worse.
The NEBOSH Hierarchy of Controls suggests that removing the cables is the first step in addressing this risk. For example, offices can adopt wireless solutions to reduce the need for physical connections. If wireless options aren’t viable, isolating the hazard by properly securing cables and keeping them off pathways is the next best approach. Engineering controls, such as rerouting cables or cable covers, can also help reduce the likelihood of accidents.
3. Slippery Floors and the Silent Risk
Slippery floors are an often-overlooked workplace hazard. Whether caused by spills or slick tiles that become hazardous when wet, slips and falls are common accidents in office and industrial settings. The NEBOSH Hierarchy of Controls can assist in managing this risk.
Eliminating the hazard comes first in the hierarchy, which could mean using high-quality materials that aren’t slippery when wet or installing non-slip flooring. If complete removal isn’t possible, businesses can implement engineering controls such as slip-resistant coatings or mats to minimise the risk of slips.
4. Unseen Psychological Hazards
Workplace safety isn’t just about physical risks. Psychological hazards, including stress, bullying, and employee burnout, can seriously impact mental health and overall well-being. These risks are often less visible and harder to address. Fortunately, the NEBOSH Hierarchy of Controls provides a structure for managing these issues.
Eliminating psychological hazards could involve changing the workplace, such as reducing workloads, offering flexible working hours, or providing additional support for employees with mental health challenges. If complete elimination is impossible, substitution could involve improving communication channels, clarifying job roles, and fostering a supportive work culture.
5. The Perils of Poorly Designed Rest Areas
While poorly designed rest areas might not immediately seem like a safety concern, overcrowded, poorly maintained, or uncomfortable rest spaces can harm employee health. They can lead to stress, fatigue, and even illness, compromising overall well-being.
The NEBOSH Hierarchy of Controls helps address these risks by eliminating poorly planned rest areas. Companies should ensure that rest spaces are spacious, well-ventilated, and have appropriate seating and amenities. If complete eradication isn’t possible, substitutions could involve creating soundproof areas for eating, napping, or relaxation to help reduce stress.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, hazards come in all shapes and sizes. Thankfully, the NEBOSH Hierarchy of Controls offers a systematic approach to address the predictable and unusual risks that workplaces face. To ensure your workplace is safe, consider The Knowledge Academy courses to deepen your understanding of the NEBOSH hierarchy of controls and enhance your ability to manage risks effectively.
