5 Most Overlooked Workplace Hazards (and How to Fix Them)
- Ray Palmer
- Jun 12
- 2 min read
At Ranmoor Health and Safety, we believe the smallest details often make the
biggest difference. That’s why we’ve created this quick-reference guide to highlight
the five hazards we see most often overlooked.
1. Unlabelled or Unmaintained Fire Extinguishers
The Risk: In an emergency, a missing or faulty fire extinguisher
could have serious consequences.
What to Look For:
Missing inspection tags
Blocked or hidden extinguishers
Incorrect types for the fire risks on site
How to Fix It:
Schedule regular checks
Train your team on extinguisher types and locations
Replace damaged or outdated units
2. Inadequate Machine Guarding
The Risk: Exposed moving parts cause thousands of workplace
injuries each year.
What to Look For:
Missing or broken guards
Staff disabling or bypassing safety features
How to Fix It:
Conduct a machinery safety audit
Reinforce lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures
Engage staff in safety improvement
Overloaded Electrical Sockets
The Risk: Overheating and potential fire hazards.
What to Look For:
Daisy-chained extension leads
Overloaded multi-plug adaptors
How to Fix It:
Get a professional electrical safety check
Replace high-risk setups with safer infrastructure
Promote safe habits through awareness
4. Poor Storage of Flammable Materials
The Risk: Increased fire hazard and risk of toxic exposure.
What to Look For:
Flammables stored in unventilated areas
No signage or separation from ignition sources
How to Fix It:
Use flame-resistant storage units
Train staff in COSHH best practices
Review storage procedures regularly
5. Lack of Clear Emergency Procedures
The Risk: Confusion and delay in the event of an incident.
What to Look For:
No signage or out-of-date evacuation plans
Staff unsure of their roles in an emergency
How to Fix It:
Conduct regular drills
Keep evacuation maps and contact details up to date
Assign and train fire marshals or safety coordinators
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