Learning about common workplace safety mistakes through our safety officer course

Compared to a decade ago, workplaces of today are generally much safer. This is largely due to the fact that companies are making use of professionals who have trained through a safety officer course. Despite this, workplace accidents still occur, and in most cases, it is due to a number of safety mistakes – many of which are addressed in EMCARE’s very own safety officer course. In just a few minutes of reading, find out about some of the most common workplace safety mistakes to look out for and try to avoid.

Top 10 most common workplace safety mistakes

It is worth mentioning once more that workplaces today are generally very safe when compared to what workers had to endure a few generations ago. A focus on workplace safety has been encouraged by changing legislation over the last decade or two has made a huge difference for employers and employees alike – for the better. Everyone can agree that a safe work space is more profitable. However, despite great efforts, there are still workplaces that many would consider hazardous.

Many industries still have a long path before them before they reach the standards required to keep employees safe. The following top 10 most common workplace safety mistakes showcase how far certain industries still have to go in order to reach their goal:

1. The improper use of ladders
   
   This may come as a surprise for some, but ladders are still being used improperly in many companies and industries alike. When making ladder-related errors, the consequences can be disastrous. The following are some examples of how ladders are used improperly:
   • Leaning from a ladder
     
     Workers on ladders often make the mistake of reaching either left or right. This can result in the centre balance of the ladder being thrown off and ultimately – the ladder is likely to fall.
     
     
   • Using an unsteady ladder
     
     Failing to take the time to steady a ladder during the set-up process is a common error made by contractors and general employees alike due to time constraints and a rush to get the job done. As a result, ladders can slide out while in use and cause injury – or worse.
     
     
   • Using other objects in place of a ladder
     
     Oftentimes employees do not have access to a ladder, and seek other alternatives to get the job done timeously. Some common alternatives include stools, chairs and scaffolding. Naturally, these objects are not designed for climbing in the same way a ladder is, and injury becomes much more likely.
     
     
   • Climbing too high on a ladder
     
     It is never a good idea to step onto the upper rungs of a ladder. This does not stop people from doing it, however, in order to gain better height while working. In many cases, even if a ladder is placed perfectly, the upper rungs can still be unstable.
     

2. The over-complication of safety instructions
   
   When creating or implementing a new policy designed to improve the safety of a specific area in the workplace, it is crucial to avoid overcomplicating instructions. Making them too complicated is a sure way to encourage rule-breaking as a result of misunderstanding. All instructions must be kept as simple and succinct as possible. However, employers all around the world continue to print out arduous instructions that are stuck on a wall, and in most cases, become overlooked.
   
   
3. A lack of visual communication
   
   It should come as no surprise that in many workplaces and industries, noise in facilities can be overwhelming and deafening at times. This makes it next to impossible to communicate verbally while work is in full swing. This does not align with the fact that in safety – communication is the most important aspect. Therefore, a failure to provide visual communication options in a loud facility often leads to errors and injuries.
   
   Some forms of visual communication include labels, floor markings, lights and signs. Employers are discouraged by the time it takes to effectively communicate without relying on verbal exchanges and as a result often forgo the whole endeavour – even though visual communication options could significantly improve safety in the workplaces in question.
   
   
4. A messy and disorganised workplace
   
   One of the most achievable ways to maintain workplace safety is by cleaning and organising the workplace. However, many people fail to do so as a result of a lack in time management and an influx in work. Having an organised and clean facility helps to keep equipment in good condition, whereas having a messy workspace ensures the opposite, as well as increases the chances of tripping over something and sustaining injury or damaging property.
   

5. Failure to use the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
   
   In most industries that involve hazardous or risky activities, the use of PPE is mandatory. However, this does not stop some employees from ignoring rules, or employers from failing to enforce them. Further, not using equipment properly can be just as bad as failing to use it at all. Either option leaves workers exposed to dangers. In addition, one person failing to don the correct equipment can put the rest of the team at risk.
   
   
6. Using the incorrect tool for the job
   
   Most tasks needing to be completed in a labour-focused facility will need a certain type of tool. Utilising the correct tool for the job is naturally the safest and most sensible action. However, it is not uncommon for employees to take shortcuts by using whatever tool they have in arm’s reach. This can dramatically increase the risk of an accident taking place. Oftentimes, it is the employer who is guilty for not investing in the required tools in order to cut down on costs.
   
   
7. Failure to track the “near miss” incidents
   
   Most people in high-risk work environments have experienced some kind of “near miss” incident at some or other point during their career. While it is always a relief when nobody is injured, it does not mean that the incident did not occur. Taking note of workplace incidents that did not result in damage to persons or property is just as important as tracking genuine accidents. The occurrence of an incident is indicative of the fact that something is not working as it should be, and amendments need to be made in order to prevent a real accident.
   
   Many employers fail on this front, in favour of ignoring the problem because nothing significant happened. Identifying the root cause of an issue, whether it be stress on behalf of an employee, a lack of instruction or communication and even a faulty machine, is the only way to begin to solve the problem.
   
   
8. Neglecting inspections and maintenance of machinery
   
   It goes without saying that machinery, especially that of the heavy type, can pose great risks to people and property. In many industries, keeping machines up and running is what pays the bills – and when machines are not running, money is being lost. This is why many employers and company heads ignore or postpone maintenance and inspection of machines. However, machine breakdowns are an even bigger problem for productivity. This is without even considering how dangerous a machine with unpredictable performance can be to people working in, with or around it.
   

9. Failing to educate
   
   Many company heads and employers tend to treat education as optional – and this is a recipe for disaster. This is one of the biggest workplace safety mistakes. It is likely the fact that training and education does not provide immediate return on investment that deters those in charge from providing it. However, the long-term benefits of providing education are immeasurable – and could mean the difference between life and death in severe cases.
   
   
10. The improper handling of hazardous materials
    
    Many industries require the storage of hazardous materials that used for a variety of tasks. In order to avoid the risk of spills or accidents, these materials need to be stored properly. This involves the use of safe, sealed and labelled containers. Some workplaces simply fail to place enough importance on the above process or realise the gravity of possessing the hazardous materials, which often has terrible consequences.
    
    Safety shortcuts to avoid in the workplace that you will learn about during our safety officer course
    
    Should you, or an employee, train through our safety officer course, you will become aware of some safety shortcuts that are to be avoided. Some of them are so ingrained in an industry that eliminating them may seem impossible. However, rooting out some of the following safety shortcuts is a great way to promote overall safety in the workplace:
    
    
    • Skipping breaks
      
      When it comes down to crunch time, both employers and employees alike often miss out on their breaks in order to finish a task and potentially finish the workday faster. While this is usually done with good intentions, it can lead to a variety of safety problems – some of them serious. There is a reason that industries and governments enforce the allowance of taking breaks at work. It is not only about relaxing, but also about letting the worker’s body and mind recover – even for just a few minutes at a time.
      
      Feeling refreshed and slightly rested is essential to performing work tasks safely and with clarity. Being overworked, stressed, fatigued or hungry is a common cause for accidents and errors that can easily be avoided. Taking lunch is especially important – since eating helps to regulate blood sugar which is essential to keeping the body working efficiently and productively.
      
      
    • Not having a clear emergency path
      
      Whether it is due to a lack of labelling or communication, or simply having a work facility that is completely cluttered – not having a clearly indicated and accessible emergency path is a recipe for disaster. This is particularly applicable in high-risk workplaces that involve working with machinery that reaches high temperatures or makes use of hazardous chemicals. Employees need to be able to exit any workplace easily and rapidly if need be.
      
      
    • Cutting costs with emergency equipment
      
      Whether it be purchasing a sub-par first aid kit or simply not having an old fire extinguisher replaced – cutting costs when it comes to emergency equipment is more common than you may think. Oftentimes, it is only until after an incident occurs that the lack of suitable emergency equipment is exposed. Cue a lawsuit.
      

EMCARE’s safety officer course

Now that you know about some of the top workplace safety mistakes, many of which are included in in our safety officer course, you may be interested in finding out exactly what our safety officer course entails. Our safety officer course takes the form of practical training that assists companies and individuals alike to become familiar with relevant South African legislation as well as how to enforce and observe the correct workplace safety practices.

The safety officer course is the perfect training solution for anyone who wishes to enter a career in the health and safety industry. The course takes place over 2 weeks, and includes and covers an exhaustive range of subjects and practical teaching. Should employees wish to have at least 10 individuals take part in our safety officer course, we are happy to come to your premises should you be located reasonably close to one of our branches.