Little things matter in workplace safety: A focus on the small hazards

When planning daily work tasks and addressing potential hazards, it’s easy to focus on the big, visible risks such as falls from heights, electrocution, or chemical asphyxiation during confined space entries. These larger hazards undoubtedly require serious attention and mitigation strategies. However, it’s essential to recognize that smaller, seemingly insignificant hazards, often referred to as “little things,” can pose just as much of a risk to workers’ safety if left unaddressed. These “little things” are typically overlooked, as workers become accustomed to their presence on the job site, but they can be just as dangerous as the bigger hazards.

The term “little things” refers to everyday, seemingly minor hazards that might include items like cords left on the floor, screws sticking out of boards, slippery rungs on ladders, or tools left hanging carelessly. These issues, though small, can lead to significant injuries, particularly when they go unnoticed or are dismissed as trivial. While it’s crucial to tackle the big hazards, it is just as important not to let the smaller hazards slip through the cracks. Workers may become desensitized to these hazards, especially if they are focused on more prominent risks. However, this mindset can be dangerous, as the cumulative impact of these minor hazards can cause a series of injuries, which may eventually lead to more serious consequences.

Statistics highlight the prevalence of these smaller hazards in causing injuries. According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, approximately 66% of falls occur on the same level as a result of slips and trips. Only 34% of falls happen from a height, and an even smaller portion of those involve falls from heights greater than six feet (1.8m). These statistics demonstrate that injuries resulting from “little things,” like tripping or slipping, are far more common than more significant hazards. This makes it essential for organizations to prioritize the elimination of small hazards in addition to addressing the larger risks in the workplace.

In line with South African regulations, the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 (OHSA) emphasizes the importance of creating a safe working environment, addressing both major and minor hazards. OHSA Section 8 states that an employer must ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that the health and safety of employees are not at risk. This includes managing risks from all potential sources, whether they stem from major threats like falls from height or from smaller hazards, such as those related to housekeeping and equipment placement. OHSA Section 9 requires employers to maintain and enforce safety measures that include recognizing and mitigating potential risks from “little things,” such as trip hazards, tools, and equipment.

While large hazards certainly require appropriate attention and mitigation, small hazards should not be underestimated. The “little things” are often the cause of the most frequent injuries in the workplace, and organizations must ensure that they receive the same level of scrutiny and corrective action. By addressing both big and small hazards proactively, employers can significantly reduce the likelihood of injuries, ensuring a safer and more productive work environment for everyone involved. As the Occupational Health and Safety Act reminds us, safety is a holistic approach that requires attention to all potential risks.

In workplace safety, the ‘little things’ often have the biggest impact. Overlooking small hazards, can lead to injuries just as serious as those from larger risks. True safety lies in addressing every hazard, no matter how minor it seems.

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