Many workers, like chemical plant workers, systems operators, welders, and factory workers, are constantly exposed to various occupational hazards as they are in proximity to heavy machinery. Organizations must uphold the protection of their employees from on-the-job injuries or accidents, ensuring they are in a physically safe working environment at all times. 

Fortunately, modern technologies allow organizations to monitor both workers and equipment to ensure workplace safety. Among these technologies are video monitoring tools, such as manufacturing camera systems that can withstand extreme conditions. 

6 Types of Occupational Hazards That Need A Video Monitoring System

However, before anything else, it’s vital to identify the types of hazards present in different work environments to know what you should watch out for and find the proper monitoring tool for your business. 

1. Safety Hazards

Safety hazards pertain to any object, substance, or condition that can cause injury to employees, specifically those who work directly with machinery, electrical wiring, construction sites, and utility sectors. Safety hazards are the most common risks in a work environment.

Safety hazards include: 

  • Anything that can cause falls, such as scaffolds, roofs, and ladders, and working from heights
  • Anything that can cause spills and trips, such as disorderly cords and damaged carpet
  • Moving machinery parts that workers accidentally touch
  • Electrical hazards, such as improper wiring and exposed wires

2. Physical Hazards 

Contrary to its name, physical hazards are dangers that people don’t always see or touch, making them the least obvious among all risks. These affect employees in extreme weather conditions or harmful environments. Physical hazards can harm the body with or without contact.

Physical hazards include: 

3. Biological Hazards 

Also called biohazards, these can refer to infectious agents or hazardous biological materials that can pose a risk to the health of workers, animals, or the environment.

This type of hazard affects an employee’s health when exposed to harm or diseases from working with animals, people, and infectious substances. Those who work in hospitals, laboratories, emergency response, healthcare, and outdoor jobs can be exposed to this occupational hazard. 

Types of substances that are considered as occupational biohazards: 

  • Fungi/mold
  • Blood
  • Poisonous or dangerous plants
  • Bacteria and viruses
  • Insect bites and animal droppings

4. Chemical Hazards

Liquids, gases, vapors, fumes, and other chemical materials—when workers are exposed to this through chemical preparation or in any way in the workplace, and it causes people to develop chronic health conditions, it becomes a health hazard. 

The four possible routes of chemical exposure include inhalation, absorption, and ingestion. Workers who are at constant risk to these include cleaning employees, manufacturing personnel who use chemicals in production, and laboratory staff. 

Chemical hazards include: 

  • Cleaning products and chemicals, such as acids, solvents, and unlabeled chemical containers
  • Flammable materials like gasoline, solvents, and other explosive chemicals
  • Pesticides
  • Chemical gases like carbon monoxide and propane

5. Ergonomic Hazards

Awkward and improper postures during work can cause injury to the musculoskeletal system, such as the muscles or ligaments of the lower back, nerves of the hands or wrists, and bones around the knees. When workers have poor workstation setups, it can lead to discomfort and pain in some parts of their body. Ergonomic hazards are typically a result of the way a workspace is designed.

Ergonomic hazards include:

  • Awkward or improper adjustment of workstations and chairs
  • Awkward movements, especially repetitive motions
  • Poor posture when performing manual tasks

6. Work Organization Hazards 

Work organization hazards, also known as psychosocial, are stressors that cause adverse short- and long-term effects on workers’ mental health or well-being. These involve workplace issues that threaten an employee’s health and job. 

Work organization hazards include:

Video monitoring helps companies comply with safety policies and serve as a training tool for employees to do their job safely according to procedures. It also allows them to manage employee safety better by identifying potential hazards that exist or may suddenly occur within the environment. The monitoring staff can notify the right people in case of potential risks or threats they spot on site. 

Moreover, when members of the monitoring team see the environment people work in from a bird’s eye view, it helps them identify hazards and implement solutions to improve workplace safety and minimize potential accidents and injuries. This ensures that workers can do their jobs comfortably.

In cases of work organization hazards, any instance of workplace discrimination and other psychosocial stress or strain inflicted upon a worker caught on camera can be used as evidence against the perpetrators. 

Ensure Safety in the Workplace

As part of risk assessment, businesses should identify the hazards in the workplace, implement protocols to prevent accidents, and monitor operations. Video surveillance systems are used to monitor and ensure safety while workers do their jobs and focus on their performance. 

There are a lot of tough jobs in challenging industries. To ensure safety in hazardous work environments, contact IVC Co for your business’s video monitoring solutions. 

 

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