5 COMMON WORKPLACE SAFETY MISTAKES (AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM)

If you ask a Health and Safety manager what they see during workplace safety inspections, the same issues appear repeatedly. 

Across many sectors, these common workplace safety mistakes regularly show up in: 

• Safety audits  
• Incident reports 
• Risk assessments

The good news is that most are easy to prevent.  

With the right workplace safety equipment and processes, you can reduce risk and improve compliance across your site. 

THE FIVE MOST COMMON WORKPLACE SAFETY MISTAKES

These issues are frequently identified during workplace safety audits. Addressing them early helps reduce incidents and maintain safer working environments. 

1. POOR HOUSEKEEPING

Walkways blocked with equipment, packaging, or waste create avoidable hazards.  

Similarly, spills left unattended increase slip risk, especially in busy or shared areas.  

Over time, these small issues build into larger safety concerns. 

Fix it with: 

• Spill kits
• Waste sacks
• Cleaning tools  

Good housekeeping reduces slip risks and supports overall workplace safety. 

 2. INCORRECT USE OF PPE

Wearing the wrong personal protective equipment leaves individuals exposed to preventable injuries.  

This often includes unsuitable gloves, missing eye protection, worn footwear, or hi-vis not being worn in low-visibility areas. 

These gaps are frequently identified during workplace safety inspections. 

Fix it with: 

• Safety footwear
• Hi-vis workwear
• Hand protection 

Matching PPE to the task improves compliance and reduces injury risk. 

3. UNSAFE CHEMICAL STORAGE AND HANDLING

Chemicals stored incorrectly can create immediate safety and compliance risks.  

Unlabelled containers, missing COSHH data, and unsuitable storage areas are common issues across many workplaces. 

Without clear controls, exposure and spills become more likely. 

Fix it with: 

• COSHH signage
• Eyewash stations  
• Chemical storage cabinets

Safe chemical management supports COSHH compliance and workplace safety. 

4. LIMITED OR UNCLEAR SAFETY SIGNAGE

When signage is missing or unclear, dangerous situations can arise in shared spaces or high-traffic areas. 

Faded floor markings and poorly defined routes are common contributors to workplace accidents.  

Fix it with: 

• Label holders  
• Safety signage  
• Floor marking tape

Clear signage helps people identify hazards quickly and move safely around your site.

 5. UNCHECKED FIRST AID EQUIPMENT

First aid provision is often assumed to be in place, but equipment is frequently out of date, incomplete, or difficult to access. 

This can delay response times and increase the severity of injuries when an incident occurs. 

Fix it with: 

• First aid cabinets
• First aid kits and refills

Regular checks ensure equipment is ready when required and keep your site compliant. 

REDUCE WORKPLACE SAFETY RISKS WITH ONE SUPPLIER 

Managing workplace safety is easier when everything is sourced in one place.  

SMI helps you stay prepared for inspections with a complete range of workplace safety equipment. 

From PPE and workplace supplies to signage, chemical storage, and first aid, we help you reduce risk across your site. 

Why choose SMI: 

• Consistent stock availability 
• Support across multiple sites  
• Over 25,000 products available 
• Expert guidance when you need it  

Our MY-SMI® portal also helps you: 

• Control spend  
• Improve visibility  
• Simplify ordering  

Ready to improve workplace safety across your site? Request your MY-SMI® account today!