We hope this list of common workplace health and safety issues will help you see what applies to your work activities, and to tell you how to get more help and information.
It is especially important if you are in charge of work activities because you have legal responsibilities.
Slips and trips
Slips and trips are one of the most common causes of injury in the workplace. The Health and Safety Executive provides advice for employers, employees, architects and flooring manufacturers to help minimise the risk of serious slips and trips.
Asbestos
Breathing in fibres from asbestos materials is dangerous and will increase the risk of getting an asbestos-related disease later in life. Find out more about asbestos.
Electricity
Electricity is the cause of many deaths and injuries each year - make sure that your electrical equipment is safe by following some simple advice. Find out more about electrical safety.
Work equipment
It is important to use the right equipment for the job - making sure machines and handtools are safe, maintaining them in a safe condition, and following manufacturers' or suppliers' instructions. Find out more about using equipment and machinery at work.
Noise in the workplace
It is estimated that over one million employees are exposed to noise levels that could endanger their hearing. Find out more about noise at work.
Young employees
Young employees may require additional help to understand the importance of health and safety issues. There are also employment laws that relate to young people. You can download our diagram describing the law and young people. Find out more about young people at work.
Hazardous substances
Hazardous substances include chemicals, dust, fumes and bacteria that can be present in the workplace. Exposure can happen by breathing them in, contact with the skin, splashing them into the eyes or swallowing them.
If exposure is not prevented or properly controlled, it can cause serious illness or even death. Make sure that you are aware of your responsibilities as an employee or employer. Find out more about hazardous substances.
Work transport
Vehicles operating in the workplace include cars and vans, lift trucks, heavy goods vehicles, dumpers and specialised vehicles. There is often significantly more danger from vehicles in the workplace than on the public highway since the operating conditions are different. Find out more about transport at work.
Managing shift work
Poorly designed shift-working arrangements and/or long working hours may put workers at risk of fatigue, accidents, injuries and ill health. Find out more about managing shift work.
Computers
The law requires employers to minimise the risks involved with using computers and computer monitors.
Employers should also offer eyesight tests for users. If spectacles are needed for computer work then the employer should pay for the cost of basic ones. Find out more about using computers at work.
Manual handling
Many people hurt themselves at work because from lifting and moving items. Employers should reduce the need for potentially dangerous manual handling in the workplace. Find out more about manual handling.
Air conditioning units and cooling towers
Some air conditioning systems, such as those which use evaporative cooling, pose potential health risks if not properly maintained.
Therefore it is important to make sure air handling units are serviced at appropriate intervals, and follow the instructions by the supplier or manufacturer. Find out more about legionnaires disease.
Pressure systems
Equipment containing fluid or gas under pressure can cause death or injury to people, and serious damage to property, if the contents are released unintentionally.
Accidents mainly happen when equipment fails through poor design or maintenance or when the method of work is unsafe, or someone makes an operating mistake. Find out more about pressure systems.
Contact us
You can contact the health and safety team in the following ways:
Email env.health@cambridge.gov.uk
Telephone 01223 457900
