Hazard labels can help prevent workplace accidents

The importance of appropriate hazard labels should never be overlooked by companies. Whether they are dealing with stainless steel drums or any other containers that house potentially dangerous items or substances, it is vital they are clearly and accurately marked.

If firms fail to achieve this, it is more likely that accidents will occur and workers or members of the public may suffer serious injuries or even lose their lives.

Figures released recently by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlighted the importance of effective risk management. The organisation revealed that betwee
April 2011 and March 2012, 173 workers were killed. While this was down by two compared with the previous year, the rate of fatal injury remained the same at 0.6 per 100,000 workers.

The organisation also revealed that of the fatalities, 130 occurred in England, 20 took place in Scotland and 18 were recorded in Wales.

Meanwhile, commenting on the numbers, HSE chair Judith Hackitt said: “Britain continues to have one of the lowest levels of workplace fatal injuries in Europe, part of a long-term downward trend.

“But we must not forget that these are lives cut short, not statistics - every single one of these deaths will have caused terrible grief and anguish for family and friends as well as workmates and colleagues.”

She went on to state that the HSE wants employers to “focus on the real risks that continue to cause death and serious injury”, adding that protecting people from harm should be at the “heart of what we all do”.

These days, it is easy for firms to source suitable hazard labels for their packing. By being diligent in their approach to this, they can help to minimise the level of risk to workers, members of the public and to property.