Workplaces have a responsibility to protect workers from harm. That means reducing the probability of workers coming into contact with dangerous or hazardous substances, materials and equipment. If you’re injured at work because your employer doesn’t take safety seriously, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation and other benefits as a result of your injuries.

Aren’t there hazards in all workplaces?

It’s true that there are health hazards in every workplace, and not all of them will be able to be corrected. For example, if you work at a pool, it might be impossible to make all walking areas dry. However, the facility should make sure to make the ground less slick with anti-slip pavement or tiles, and it should put rules in place to reduce dangerous acts like running or horseplay.

What kinds of workplace hazards might you come across?

There are a number of different hazards you could come across. Ergonomic hazards, biological hazards and chemical hazards all pose a risk. Ergonomic hazards, like sitting in a chair for too many hours in the same position, put a strain on the body that can lead to damage to your body. Biological hazards, which come from working with animals, humans or plants, can spread disease or illnesses. Chemical hazards might be present if you are working with solvents or other materials; these materials should always be identifiable and all workers need to know how to handle them and what to do in case of an emergency.

Each hazard is a safety concern that should be discussed with employees. With the right prevention techniques, there should be few or no injuries in the workplace.

Source: TakeOneStep, “Workplace hazards,” accessed Sep. 13, 2016