UNSAFE WORKING CONDITIONS 

Unsafe conditions are found in a variety of workplaces, and pose a special hazard to workers in all sectors.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU IDENTIFY UNSAFE WORKING CONDITIONS – TELL YOUR SUPERVISOR. 

SAFETY HAZARDS CAN INCLUDE:

• Confined spaces
• Electrical hazards, like frayed wires or improper wiring
• Things that can cause falls from heights
• Things that can cause tripping or slips and falls
• Unguarded machinery

Biological Hazards can include:

• Animal droppings
• Bacteria and viruses
• Blood
• Insect bites or stings
• Mold or fungus

Physical Hazards can include:

• Continuous loud noise
• Radiation
• Sunlight or ultraviolet rays
• Temperature extremes

Ergonomic Hazards can include: are those things that put strain on a person’s body.

• Awkward, repetitive movements
• Constant vibration
• Frequent lifting
• Poorly adjusted workstations

Chemical Hazards can include:

• Chemicals in unlabeled containers
• Cleaning products and solvents
• Flammable materials
• Gases like carbon monoxide, propane and acetylene
• Pesticides

Work Organization Hazards can include: 

• Intensity or pace of work
• Limited flexibility in the workplace

Safe Practices 

• Follow all specific safety rules.
• Report all unsafe acts or unsafe conditions to supervisors.
• Encourage fellow employees to work safely.
• Check the condition of personal protective equipment and use the correct PPE for the specific hazard.
• Ask questions if you are not sure of the proper way to do something.
• Lock out and tag all equipment before adjusting it or performing maintenance on it.
• Inspect the condition of ladders before using them.
• Don’t use chemicals unless you have been specifically trained on the hazards.
• Keep your work area neat and clean to avoid trip hazards.
• Use three-point contact when entering and exiting the cab of a truck.
• Push, don’t pull whenever possible.

UNSAFE CONDITIONS TAKEAWAY – WHAT EMPLOYEES SHOULD DO 

• Stop and take the time to evaluate your work area and work task.
• Recognize unsafe conditions or what can possibly turn into one.
• Take action to immediately correct the condition if possible.
• Stop work and involve the other personnel if situation requires you to do so.
• Follow through to ensure any hazards you identified are properly mitigated.
• Continue to evaluate your work area throughout the work day for possible new hazards.

FINAL WORD

Unsafe conditions do exist all around us and it is true that not every single possible hazard in life can be eliminated. However, we all can take ownership and responsibility for the work that we do to eliminate the ones we identify.