Let's Look at the Difference in Common Workplace Spills
Minor Spills
A minor spill is commonly thought of something that happens when a chemical is released into the workplace, but can be contained, absorbed, or otherwise handled relatively safely. These type of spills tend to cause little to no damage to the environment and don't cuase bodily harm to the workers. It is very likely that these type of minor spills do not require an official report to your local, state, or federal agency such as EPA or OSHA. Also, the likelihood of a minor spill being anything other than a cost to time/productivity at the workplace.
Not to say that these type of spills are desired by any business owner at their workplace. This type of spill can create a perception that your work environment is careless, and the employees are exposed to a higher risk of injury of exposure to these chemicals that were spilled.
Spills aren't the only thing that can be considered minor. There are also accidental splatters and sprays that can be just as bad or concerning as a spill. Often a small spill can be sign as a potential risk/weak step in your company's process of chemical handling. Even something like a small spill or splatter can, and possibly should be considered as a forewarning to a bigger issue.
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Major Spills
Something that would be considered as a major spill will (and should) be considered much more difficult than a minor spill. A major spill has the potential to become a complete business shutdown for your company. Major spills are serious and pose long-term risks for both your workers and the environment as a whole. They can also do damage to your reputation as a company that could be deterimental and not repairable. The potential monetary impact to your business could be substantial as major cleanups often involve local, state, and federal agency fines, as well as money to clean up the spill.
The reporting aspect of a major spill is also substantial and lengthy. Just to name a couple of the larger, well known federal agencies like OSHA, EPA, and the DEQ. It is likely that these agencies will all conduct investigation and possibly levy fines depending on the results of the investigations and required reports. Based on these type of investigations, litigation is a very real possibility for your company.
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The Negative Potential For Your Business?
There is always the worst case scenario, where 1 major spill can impact your business for a lifetime. Most businesses that handle chemicals in a production or lab environment know that the room for error is very small. Many of the popular chemicals used in a workplace don't cause permanent exposure issues to the workers. Usually a chemical spill in a non-production/lab environment will just cause skin irritation and limited burning. However, any chemical, regardless of your industry, can cause major bodily injury, such as skin blistering and severe discomfort.
Then there are many day to day industrial chemicals that can be dangerous when it comes to exposure to the eyes of your workers. Splashing in liquid leaking from a drum stored above eye level for example. This eye damage can go from eye redness, itching/irritation, to long term pain and blindness.
Some chemical injuries to your workers are not always visible right away, but that doesn't make it any less dangerous to the health and welfare of your employess. The injuries that are not easily identified to the can actually be worse long term. These type of injuries happen when chemicals are allowed to leak into the workplace in the form of a vapor or emission of a hazardous chemical.
These type of injuries could represent themselves as:
Respiratory Issues- Organ Damage
- Asthma
- Certain Forms of Cancer
- Potential for Fatal Exposure
Exposure to a chemical spill in the workplace, whether it's minor or major can result in minor skin irritation handled by washing with soap and water. It can also lead to long term injuries and potentially death. All of this demonstrates the need to have a plan and training to handle chemicals safely.
If you have a major or minor spill in the workplace and you would like a Site Assessment, please just Contact Us and we will come out and assist you in assessing the situation. We do have our 24/7 Emergency Response team available, so you have access to help at any time from Hazmat One.
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