Most accidents at work do not happen by chance. They usually have a cause that could have been spotted earlier. Under § 102 of the Labour Code, the employer must identify hazards, assess risks and take measures. You contribute by reporting defects and following the rules.
Hazard and risk
- A hazard is a source of possible harm. For example, a wet floor or a broken cable.
- Risk is the likelihood that harm will happen, and how serious it would be.
The employer assesses risks and documents the results. You have the right to know the risks of your work.
The most common hazards
- Slips, trips and falls on the same level. The most common cause of minor injuries. A tidy floor, clear walkways and footwear with a good sole help.
- Falls from height. Use a ladder only if it is undamaged and stable. Do not lean sideways. Work at height needs special safeguards and instruction.
- Electricity. A damaged cable, a faulty socket or a wet environment can lead to electric shock and fire. Do not use faulty equipment, and report it.
- Manual handling of loads. Strain on the back and joints. Lift with a straight back, keep the load close to your body, and carry heavy things with a colleague or with an aid.
- Machines and tools. Do not bypass guards and safety switches. Before repairs, stop the machine and secure it against starting.
- Noise, dust, chemical substances. Follow the safety data sheet and your employer's instructions. You cannot judge a hazard by its smell.
- Work at a screen. Breaks, the right monitor height and a good sitting position protect your eyes and back.
- Psychological strain. Stress, overload, bullying or harassment are also risks. Do not treat them as weakness. Tell your supervisor or an employee representative.
How risks are reduced
The Labour Code sets out the general principles of prevention (§ 102(5)). In practice they are applied in this order:
- Eliminate the risk at its source. For example, ban a dangerous substance.
- Replace the dangerous with the less dangerous. For example, a procedure without solvents.
- Technical measures and collective protection. Guards, extraction, railings. They take priority over personal protection.
- Organisational measures and instructions. Rules, job rotation, training.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE). Only when the previous steps are not enough.
That is why PPE is the last line of defence, not a substitute for safe organisation of work.
Categories of work
Jobs are placed in categories according to risk level. Your employer informs you which category your job falls into. A higher category means stricter health protection measures.
What you do
- Notice your surroundings. Spilled liquids, clutter or a flickering light are signals.
- Report the defect to your supervisor. If it is urgent, mark it and do not use it.
- Do not exceed your competence. Do not work on equipment you have not been instructed on.
- Do not remove protective guards or warning signs.
- Do not improvise. Do not use a chair instead of a ladder.
Summary
- The employer identifies hazards and assesses risks (§ 102). You report defects.
- Prevention has an order: eliminate the risk, technical measures, organisation, and PPE last.
- Do not use dangerous equipment, and report it.