WORKSHOP HAZARDS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

Workshop safety is important. Most of us knows the basic safety requirements in a workshop, but very little of us always enforce it. We are always in a hurry and don't see the need to take proper precautions before operating a machine. Workshop safety is actually more important than setting up your workshop.

If you are frequently in a workshop, you're likely exposed to many risks. Workshops are hazardous environments both by nature and the activities people carry out in them. Therefore, it's essential that you're aware of these hazards and how to protect your health and safety. This article outlines common workshop hazards and control measures that you can take to reduce them.

What are the most common workshop hazards?

There are many jobs associated with workshops, such as carpentry, welding, and paint spraying. Each role comes with different hazards and can make workshops dangerous places to occupy.

The top 15 workshop hazards are:

• Lack of guards or screens on equipment or around dangerous areas.

• Damaged or misused guards.

• Lack of adequate ventilation and temperature.

• No safety signs, outdated safety signs, and broken safety signs.

• Machinery left unattended while in use.

• Obstructions - of fire exits, cut-out switches, etc.

• Cluttered workstations.

• Trailing wires and cables.

• Chemical substances in unmarked containers.

• Chemical splashes.

• Incorrect tools used for tasks.

• Confined spaces.

• Electric shocks, burns, or fires.

• Lone working.

• Sharp items.

How to reduce hazards in your workshop

Workshops are clearly dangerous environments and so you should do all you can to reduce the level of risk. Often, you can easily reduce risks through a few small steps, some of which we've outlined below.