Risks at Work: What They Are and How to Learn to Recognize Them

Risks at work: what they are and how to recognize them

Risks at work identify all those factors that can cause damage to workers’ healthemployees or collaborators of a company both in the short and long term. They can be of various nature, such as physical, chemical, biological, psychological, ergonomic, safety and hygienic.
To recognize these risks it is important to acquire specific knowledge regarding the various types of dangers and the related prevention measures. For this purpose, it is possible to consult the current legislation on safety and health at work (Legislative Decree 81/2008), as well as the educational and training materials made available by the competent authorities and trade unions.

In particular, to recognize risks at work, it is necessary to carry out a workplace analysis and the type of activity carried out. One of the first tasks that a company must carry out when analyzing its workplace safety policy is to evaluate the risks at work connected to the types of activities and tasks that are carried out within the company organisation; also taking into account the characteristics of the materials and tools used, as well as the methods of organizing work and possible sources of stress and fatigue.
Naturally, not all unforeseen events that can occur in the workplace can be attributed to all companies; these vary, in fact, whether they are high, medium or low risk companies. In any case, it is advisable to make everyone aware of the workplace risks they could encounter.

Risks at work: the different types

It is essential that workers themselves are trained and informed about the risks present in their working environment and are trained in the correct use of equipment and personal protective devices.
But what types of risks can you encounter while carrying out your work? Let’s discover the main ones:

• Risk from stress: a type of risk that is often hidden and is not immediately apparent. Those who suffer it tend to hide it, those who cause it often do not realize how much it can damage the efficiency and dignity of the person who is the subject of it. These are psychosocial risks such as stress, violence and harassment.
• Electrical risk and fire risk: These are related risks, because one can cause the other. Wherever there is a socket, an electrical panel, connected PCs, mains-powered machinery or any other instrument connected to an electrical power source, there is a risk of electrical failure. Obviously there are sectors in which this risk increases: construction companies, installers, artisans, etc. The control of the control units, the measurement of consumption and the analysis of peaks in the use of electricity could already represent a first method of certainly effective prevention.

As for the risk of fire, in the majority of cases it is generated by an electrical short circuit or something that has gone wrong within the company’s electrical system. This risk is undoubtedly amplified in those places where chemical products or highly flammable products are treated, or where there are materials that favor the increase of the fire outbreak: paper, fabrics, wood, chemical material.

• Chemical risk: Daily contact with chemical products can cause both long-term problems, but also accidental problems due to spills or unforeseeable contact. All tasks that have to do with cleaning or disinfection products, for printing or those that take place within chemical laboratories of various types of products, are subject to risks that must be prevented through a detailed prevention and protection plan. Naturally, compulsory labels are also involved in the risk system from chemical agents, which manufacturing companies must clearly highlight, and whose meaning must be well known to workers (for example symbols).
• Risks from exposure to asbestos or electromagnetic fields: These are risks that cause damage to workers in the long term and sometimes irreversibly. Daily contact or continuous exposure to asbestos or electromagnetic fields is fatal for workers who do not take the necessary precautions.
• Risks from scaffolding or scaffolding: These are the potential hazards associated with the use of temporary structures used in construction or other activities requiring access to elevated areas. They may include falling from scaffolding or scaffolding, instability of the structure, falling materials or equipment, electrification of the structure, exposure to chemical or biological substances, as well as the risk of fire or explosion. Scaffolding and scaffolding must be installed, used and maintained in a safe manner that complies with local regulations and safety guidelines, in order to minimize the risk of accidents and ensure the safety of workers and people in the vicinity of the structure.

How to recognize risks

Given the numerous and different types of risks that can be encountered, learn to recognize potential dangers found within one’s work activity is essential to prevent more or less serious accidents from occurring, which could damage the health of employees, the good performance and the company’s reputation.
There are different ways to learn to recognize risks at work: participate in specific training courses on safety and health at work; consult the current legislation on safety and health at work; carry out an accurate analysis of the workplace to identify possible sources of risk present; involve security experts to identify the risks present and the related prevention measures; exchange experiences and information with other professionals in the sector to acquire a more in-depth knowledge of the specific risks in a specific working environment.

In conclusion, to learn to recognize risks at work it is important to have a widespread prevention culture shared by all those involved, in order to identify and prevent the risks present in the working environment.

Sometimes, however, risk assessment and workplace safety are not sufficient to prevent or avoid dangers. The unexpected lurks around the corner and for this reason it is good practice to take out an ad hoc insurance policy to protect yourself and your business, your employees and also your customers.

THE Lokky Civil Liability Coverage pursues the objective of covering the insured against all risks deriving from negligent, imprudent or culpable behavior that damages something or someone. Furthermore, it includes third-party liability as a primary guarantee, aimed at protecting the insured’s assets in the event of compensation due to third parties. It is often important to also include Collaborators’ TPL coverage, if the compensation requests concern the injury of one of your collaborators. The coverage can be further customized by choosing from numerous additional guarantees such as Damage to Property and Contentsto protect the premises where the work activity takes place and its contents (goods, furniture, equipment).