Despite businesses having to comply with state health and safety laws, there are still more than 100,000 serious injuries occurring in Australian workplaces every year.

In response to this, risk management company SAI Global has alerted organisations to seven significant health and safety hazards that are frequently overlooked.

Injuries that result from these hazards can range from mental stress, to trips and falls and collisions with objects.

A large proportion of these injuries occur in white-collar environments.

“Contrary to a common perception that compensation claims largely occur in physically labour-intensive workplaces, the latest data from SafeWork Australia reveals that 40 per cent of claims have been made by employees in administration, professional services, sales, community work and management,” SAI Global workplace safety spokesperson Rod Beath said.

“Our audits reveal that risks are most significant in those organisations where management has not taken on board the company’s Workplace Health and Safety policy, or have not included and consulted everyone in the company.

“Senior management need to be serious about their legislative obligation and look at reducing risks of physical and mental illness and injury to their workers.”

The seven commonly overlooked workplace hazards are:

1. Heavy workloads and high stress levels

Work-related stress is the second-most compensated illness or injury in Australia.

It can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches and fatigue, psychological symptoms such as anxiety, sleep loss and depression, or behavioural symptoms, such as mood swings. These can contribute to long-term health complications such as sleep loss and diabetes.

To comply with the ISO 45001 Standard, top management must include all workers in their WHS decision making, and implement ways to gather their feedback.

2. Concealed bullying and harassment

While managers are often seen as the main perpetrators of workplace bullying and harassment, SAI Global auditors have identified the behaviour occurring between junior-to-mid-level employees, contractors and external suppliers.

Being at the receiving end of bullying and harassment can cause emotional trauma and lead to mental health injuries.

3. Basic clutter

Boxes, plants, bags on floors or courier deliveries placed in access areas can present trip and collision risks, especially if the workers required to manoeuvre around them are distracted.

SAI Global recommends that employers organise regular housekeeping activities, risk assessments and inspections to identify workplace hazards.

All workplace items should also have predetermined storage locations when they are not being used.

4. Blocked access to fire safety equipment

Are bookshelves or other furniture blocking access to fire exits, sprinkler heads, fire hoses or fire hydrants?

In the event of an emergency, this can obstruct the efficiency or use of fire safety equipment. Fire safety equipment should have one-metre-clear zones marked by signage and workplaces should have regular safety inspections and see that there is preventative maintenance in place for essential services.

5. Non-adjustable desks, chairs and monitors

According to research led by the University of Sydney, lower back pain accounts for one-third of all work-related disability.

While implementing ergonomic equipment to adapt to workers’ needs can come at an expense, the cost of compensation claims can far outweigh this investment.

6. Extreme workplace temperatures

Complaints relating to temperature are common. Heat and cold stress can impact workers’ health, leading to days off work and even workers’ compensation claims.

Ideally, interior workplaces should be kept at 22 degrees in summer and 24 degrees in winter to be comfortable. Employers should also consider the positioning of desks and workstations, keeping them out of direct hot or cold spots, such as in direct sunlight, or air-conditioning vents and other draughty locations.

7. An employer’s lack of commitment to safety

Even if you have a WHS program in place, has everyone in your organisation seen and understood it?

When workers aren’t educated about potential workplace hazards, risks and good safety practices, illnesses and injuries are more likely to occur. And when management don’t lead by example and engage in unsafe work practices themselves, it is likely that other workers will follow suit.

“Workplace safety is non-negotiable, no matter what industry you’re in,” Mr Beath says.

“Not complying with the Workplace Health and Safety Act can result in thousands of dollars in litigation costs, a drain on resources, potential loss of time, illness and injuries, increased WorkCover claims, a damaged brand reputation – and, of greatest concern, potential fatalities.”