The Importance of Reporting Workplace Hazards

Reporting Workplace Hazards

You are walking through the workshop and you notice a large patch of oil in the walkway. Without really thinking you walk around it and continue on your way to the lunchroom for smoko. You have been working hard all morning and just want to grab a coffee and sit down for something to eat. You almost make it to the door leading from the workshop when you hear a shout and then a strange gurgling noise. You turn around to see one of your workmates lying unconscious in the patch of oil with blood starting to pool around his head…

No, this is not a scene from a movie, but something that happens all too often in our workplaces. Whether it is that patch of oil you walk past; or the bloke balancing on the ladder that you choose to ignore; or the electrical lead lying in a puddle of water; we just don’t seem to realise the potential for these hazards to hurt us or our workmates. They might not hurt us today or tomorrow, but the longer we ignore these hazards the greater the chance that eventually someone gets hurt.

The most effective method of controlling and identifying workplace hazards is with a Worksite Housekeeping Checklist. A procedure which identifies and lists out common and potential hazards that can occur on a daily basis. From general housekeeping to factory and work areas, amenities and emergency equipment. The more we spend time in one place the more likely we are to take situations and environment for granted. This type of checklist allows us to be safe and vigilant at all times.

The equation is simple: HAZARD + IGNORANCE = INJURY (eventually)

REMEMBER, REPORT ALL HAZARDS (or the next worker that ends up in hospital may be you!).

If you’re not sure that your Vendor, site or factory is doing all it can to identify hazard reductions get in touch with our team.