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It is important to be aware that the workplace can be a dangerous place. Obviously, hazardous places like construction sites can lead to all kinds of health-related issues but even an office-based business has several dangers and there are many cases of accidents and ill health every year. So, what are a few of the main threats?
Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos is the single greatest cause of work-related death in the UK and could be found in any building that was built pre-2000. Exposure to asbestos can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis, which can obviously cause extreme damage and be fatal. If you have been exposed to asbestos in your workplace, you will want to make asbestos claims which can provide cover for any damages (such as lost wages) as a result of asbestos exposure.
Slips & Falls
Slips and fall are incredibly common in the workplace often due to uneven surfaces or wet floors. While sometimes people will jump right back up, slips and falls can also be incredibly dangerous and lead to long-term injuries, disability and even death but could often have been prevented if greater care was taken.
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Musculoskeletal injuries can also be common in office environments and often occur from an individual sitting in one position for an extended period – this can be made worse with low-quality chairs and/or poorly designed workspaces. This is why it is important to have ergonomic equipment and for employees to take regular breaks.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be another work-related illness which can cause a great deal of suffering. This is most common in industries such as construction, but can occur anywhere with prolonged exposure to loud noises. This damage can be irreversible, so it will want to be avoided at all costs either with ear protection or by making the environment quieter.
Asthma
Asthma is thought to be caused by an allergic reaction to airborne particles, such as flour or wood dust. This means that those in certain industries could be at risk of developing asthma without sufficient protection and by trying to limit exposure.
Stress-Related Illness
Mental health issues have been prevalent in the workplace in recent times and can cause significant long-term damage and change lives. While every job contains a certain degree of stress, this can lead to illness when it is excessive. Burnout is also common and another reason why it is so important for people to take breaks, enjoy their time off work and reduce stress.
These are just a few of the main health-related issues that can arise in the workplace, all of which can cause significant harm and could lead to long-term issues so they must be avoided at all costs.
