8 Workplace Safety Tips

[caption id="attachment_358772" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] workers closeup with equipment on building background[/caption] Accidents and injuries that occur in a workplace can disrupt overall productivity and even result in lawsuits. However, in most instances, mishaps that occur in the workplace are preventable.  But it’s also important to note that if there are safety guidelines and practices in place, they won’t be effective if the employees aren’t even aware of them. A safe working environment is where everyone understands their responsibilities and accountabilities, and strictly follows the safety guidelines not just for themselves but for the people around them as well. Here are some useful safety tips that all workers should always remember to avoid workplace injuries and accidents:

1. Report Untoward Incidents And Potential Hazards

When an accident occurs in your workplace, always notify the supervisor as soon as possible. If someone sustained injuries, make sure to seek medical treatment before anything else. In any case, reporting the issue to the employer will prompt them to do an investigation and take action where appropriate. For example, if the accident was caused by an object or process in the workplace, they can make changes right away to make sure it doesn’t happen again. However, you don’t need to wait for something to happen to make a report. If you see something that looks dangerous, for example, a broken part of the ceiling that may fall anytime, report it to the management too. Being aware of potential dangers and hazards in your workplace, and reporting them as soon as you can will prevent accidents from happening in the first place. If the event of an injury, see to it that there’ll also be a workers’ compensation claim filed for the injured worker. You can also visit law office websites to find more information about the essential steps involved in filing a workers’ comp claim. Or better yet, get in touch with a lawyer that specializes in workers’ compensation.

2. Keep Your Workspace Tidy And Neat

[caption id="attachment_358773" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Working at height equipment. Fall arrestor device for worker with hooks for safety body harness on selective focus. Worker as a background.[/caption] Every time you begin and end your shift, make it a habit to clear your working area. Remove all trash, put supplies away when not in use, and secure any cables and cords so no one trips or catches on them. Keep all your most used items within your reach and organize them, so you don’t have to bend or reach over every time you need them.

3. Be Aware Of Emergency Procedures

The ideal way to safely and effectively prepare for emergencies is to ensure that all employees are trained for such an event. This’ll help prevent panic, which often causes more accidents, and will empower employees in cases of real emergencies. That said, don’t forget that emergency exits should also be clear at all times. Avoid placing anything in front of the emergency exit door, even for a short while. Also, make sure that pathways to emergency shutoffs for all equipment and machines are always clear and accessible.

4. Take Regular Breaks

When you’re overworked, it becomes more difficult to focus. Short breaks in between long shifts will not only help you focus better, but it’ll also help you stay alert and aware of your surroundings. This is even more important if your work has safety hazards and requires focus, like working with machinery or on elevated grounds.

5. Always Wear Protective Attire Or Gear

While there are workplaces that aren’t strict on employee attire, when it becomes a requirement, it’s often for a good reason. For example, having to wear safety shoes or coveralls, or restrictions on hanging jewelry, which are all enforced for the worker’s safety, and can help minimize the risks of common workplace accidents and injuries. When you’re required to wear any protective attire or gear, always make sure they’re intact before you wear them, as any damage may compromise quality and put you in danger.

6. Avoid Using Tools Or Machinery Without Proper Training

Workplace equipment and machinery, especially big and complicated ones, always require training for all of its users to ensure safety and proper operation. So if a co-worker assigned to one of them asks you to take their place, even just for a while, tell them to ask the management for assistance instead. If you think it might sound unkind, just think of the potential accident that you’ll subject yourself and your other co-workers to in case something goes wrong, which you’ll never know.

7. Avoid Alcohol And Drugs At Work

It’s crucial to remember that both alcohol and drugs can affect your motor skills and impair your judgment and communication ability. If you think your high tolerance will excuse you, your employer won’t if an accident happens and you’re found out to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, there are also prescription drugs that may affect your ability to operate tools and machinery safely. If you need to take strong medications that may affect how you work, you should ask your doctor for an alternative, or if it’s not possible, speak with your employer so you can either take a leave of absence while on meds, or be transferred to a level of work that’s safer for you.

8. Practice Proper Body Mechanics

It’s a lesser-known fact that poor posture and the lack of appropriate body mechanics are also causes of workplace injuries. For example, how you bend and rise when lifting heavy objects. When done incorrectly, it increases the risks of musculoskeletal injuries. This is why if your work involves a lot of physical movements and heavy lifting, you should be aware of how body mechanics work to protect your back and the rest of your body. Conclusion In any work environment, safety should always be the priority. When both the management and employees take the necessary steps to maximize safety in the workplace, it’ll benefit everyone. Observing these safety tips in the workplace will ensure an environment that’s both conducive and safe at all times. Less accidents, more work done.