Even the most safety-conscious workplaces can fall short in day-to-day practice. While major hazards are often well-controlled, it’s the small oversights—the ones you stop noticing—that cause accidents, delays, and failed audits.

This article covers 10 of the most common workplace safety oversights, along with simple, fast fixes to get your site back on track.

Let’s dive in.

1. 

Cluttered Walkways

The Problem:

Boxes, tools, or loose items left in walkways can lead to slips, trips, and falls.

The Fix:

Use floor marking tape or painted lines to define walkways. Install shadow boards and storage bins nearby to keep tools off the floor.

2. 

Blocked Fire Extinguishers or Exits

The Problem:

Fire extinguishers or emergency exits blocked by pallets or carts are a major safety and legal issue.

The Fix:

Install a modular safety station with fire equipment, signage, and clearance zones clearly marked. Use anti-slip floor labels and visual cues.

3. 

No PPE Signage

The Problem:

If staff don’t know what PPE to wear—or where to get it—they’re unlikely to comply.

The Fix:

Add clear wall-mounted signage or dry-wipe boards at entry points. Include icons for required PPE and locate it beside PPE dispenser stations.

4. 

First Aid Kits That Are Hard to Find

The Problem:

In an emergency, wasting time searching for a first aid kit can escalate injuries.

The Fix:

Install visible, labelled first aid boards with modular compartments for kits, burns kits, eyewash, and emergency contacts.

5. 

Poor Glove Storage

The Problem:

Boxes left on benches or desks get dirty, damaged, or misplaced—resulting in waste and non-compliance.

The Fix:

Use wall-mounted disposable glove dispensers at key access points. Choose triple-box options for multi-size sites.

6. 

Missing or Unreadable Safety Documents

The Problem:

MSDS sheets, operating procedures, or risk assessments that are outdated or poorly displayed can result in failed audits.

The Fix:

Use magnetic document holders on modular HSE boards to keep paperwork clean, visible, and current.

7. 

Confusing Emergency Exits

The Problem:

Missing signs, inconsistent routes, or locked exit doors can cause panic during evacuations.

The Fix:

Add illuminated signage and regular fire drill maps. Use dry-wipe evacuation boards for clarity and flexibility.

8. 

No H&S Contact Information Displayed

The Problem:

If staff don’t know who to contact in an emergency or after an incident, the response is delayed.

The Fix:

Create a central health and safety display with photos and names of first aiders, fire marshals, and managers.

9. 

No Eyewash Station Near Chemicals

The Problem:

Spillages or splashes happen fast. If your eyewash is two rooms away, it’s already too far.

The Fix:

Install pedestal or wall-mounted eyewash units within 10 seconds’ reach of chemical or dust zones. Add signage and regular testing logs.

10. 

Disorganised Tool Areas

The Problem:

Loose or missing tools waste time and create trip hazards.

The Fix:

Use shadow boards with tool silhouettes and labels. This also makes inspection checks faster and helps reinforce responsibility.

Final Thoughts

Most workplace safety oversights are easy to fix once you spot them—but spotting them is the hard part. The good news is that visual safety tools, modular display boards, and structured PPE stations make it easier to:

• Stay compliant
• Prevent accidents
• Impress auditors
• Protect your staff

Take a walk around your site with this checklist in hand. Where can you improve visibility? What’s missing from your safety wall? A few quick changes can lead to long-term improvements.

Need help building a safety station that solves multiple issues at once? We’re here to help you select the right boards, dispensers, signage, and document holders to cover all the bases – fast.