Unfortunately, not all employers and building owners do their part to maintain safe work premises. If you were recently injured on the job or would like to learn more about workplace safety, take a moment to review some of the most common on-the-job hazards. See if any should be called to your employers’ attention or should be mentioned to a personal injury attorney.

5 Workplace Hazards You Should Never Ignore

1. Poorly Maintained Equipment

Heavy machinery, power tools, and all other equipment used on job sites require routine maintenance to stay in safe, operable condition. Equipment also needs proper storage instead of being exposed to the elements or other conditions contributing to premature deterioration and wear. Any equipment that hasn’t received regular servicing or features broken and missing parts should be considered a safety hazard.

2. Disgruntled Employees

Team members, managers, and all others who exhibit unstable behavior on premise are workplace threats. These individuals often appear agitated, refuse to follow procedures and guidelines, and make direct and indirect threats among other inappropriate behavior. Disgruntled employees may get into physical altercations in addition to verbally abusing others.

3. Electrical Issues

Poor lighting, flickering lights, sparking and charred outlets, overloaded power strips, hanging wires, and water around fixtures are among the many electrical issues making workplaces unsafe for employees. Unlit exit signs also lower workplace safety, especially in the event of a power outage or fire.

4. Insufficient Safety Gear & Equipment

In addition to undergoing comprehensive job training that includes workplace safety procedures, employees must have access to all applicable safety gear and equipment. Insufficient protection can result in a variety of industry-based injuries. For example, welders without the right welding masks and gloves can sustain burns or lacerations from flying metal debris.

5. Dirty & Slippery Flooring

Without regular sweeping and mopping, a number of commercial flooring types become slippery hazards. These include laminate, tile, vinyl, and hardwood. Personal injury attorneys note that falls account for 25.8% of workplace injuries every year, with poor housekeeping practices listed as one of the reasons. 

If you were injured at work or believe you have the grounds for a workers comp case, talk to the personal injury attorneys at MacVean, Lewis, Sherwin & McDermott P.C. The law firm has been a Hudson Valley, NY, mainstay for 130 years, providing the highest level of representation to individual, commercial, and nonprofit clients. Call (845) 343-3000 today to schedule your free consultation or learn about the firm’s practice areas online.