Did you know that more than 5,300 people working in the United States died on the job in 2019?

OSHA and other organizations ensure worker safety, but it’s hard when hazardous materials are involved.

If you want to prevent hazards in the workplace, there are a few potential risks to know about.

Read further if you want to discover some of the dangers of working with hazardous materials!

Potential for Poisoning

One of the biggest dangers of using hazardous materials at work is poisoning.

Many people recommend working with MSDS solutions to prevent poisoning in the workplace. With proper management, employees can safely transfer and use materials that could cause harm.

When chemicals aren’t fully contained, get contaminated, or are mixed with others, they can create dangerous fumes. Unfortunately, it’s hard to identify materials that are poisoning staff since they can turn into a vapor and dissipate.

Breathing Issues

Implementing safety sheets while working with unsafe products can help protect your team.

A common side effect people experience when exposed to harmful substances is breathing problems. The lungs are often one of the first places to get impacted by chemicals, metals, and acids. The best way to protect staff is with protective masks that can purify what they breathe.

Often, people in unsafe environments, breathing in toxins, have an increased risk of getting asthma. If the exposure continues for too long, people can lose oxygen or end up with more severe illnesses, such as COPD.

Risk of Slip & Fall

Hazmat suits can protect people from chemicals, but they can’t stop someone from falling.

When people are working with hazardous substances, they can increase their risk of falling and getting hurt. If you get exposed to the leaks, you could pass out and fall. Another way that you’d be in danger of falling is if there are obstacles and hazards on the work floor.

Organ Disorders

Chemicals are often the leading cause of organ disorders occurring in the lungs, kidneys, and liver.

Depending on the person’s exposure to workplace hazardous materials, it could result in cancer. People notice short and long-term consequences of breathing in dangerous substances and fumes. Properly training your staff and using protective equipment can save your team from fatal disorders.

In many cases, the organ disorders that people develop are lifelong and can lead to death.

Are You Preventing Harm From Hazardous Materials?

If your business uses hazardous materials, there are certain dangers you need to know about.

Understanding the potential risks of working with these items can help you become more prepared and save lives. Too many people get injured on the job, which is why training is so important. When staff knows how to properly use equipment and raw materials, their risk for danger decreases.

Don’t be afraid to consult with your team about how workplace safety can improve at your company.

If you want to learn more about workplace safety and managing a business, read our blog for the latest content!