No
one wants to get injured, but sometimes we ignore the best safety practises
because it takes extra time and effort. A little extra time is always useful to
avoid injury.
Checking
workplace safety throughout the day is an easy way to keep your work
environment safe. If you're a supervisor, it shows your employees that you care
about them and their well-being. Being safety-oriented can help improve your
employees' morale, productivity, and even make a good impression on visitors.
It
is in the best interest of you and your co-workers to follow safety protocols.
Below, we've got 10 great tips to keep you and others safe in the workplace.
Give them a quick review, and we hope they help keep you safe and sound.
1. Inform Supervisors
of Unsafe conditions.
If you see
something that could potentially hurt someone, remove the object or clean the
area if you can do so safely. Otherwise, inform your supervisor. Since your
supervisor is legally obligated to keep you and your fellow employees’ working
environment safe, they must take action.
2. Use Equipment,
Machines, and Tools properly.
Misusing
tools and machines is the most prevalent cause of workplace injuries. When
using equipment, make sure that you are using each piece of equipment for its
intended purpose and are using it correctly. Furthermore, regularly clean and
inspect equipment to ensure that it is safe.
3. Wear Safety
Equipment (PPE).
When cleaning
up messes and using equipment, make sure you wear the proper safety equipment.
Making sure you wear the proper safety equipment and checking that your safety
equipment is undamaged significantly lowers your likelihood of getting injured.
4. Prevent Slips
and Trips
As
the second most prevalent cause of nonfatal occupational injuries, it is
vital to ensure that aisles are clear and spills are cleaned to prevent
employees from tripping or slipping. If you are dealing with a liquid, use drip
pans and guards. Clean up any spills immediately to keep conditions safe. Also,
check your workplace to make sure there are no holes, loose boards, or nails
projecting from the floor. If any of these characteristics exist, replace the
damaged flooring. In areas that cannot easily be cleaned, consider installing
anti-slip flooring.
5. Keep Work Areas
and Emergency Exits Clear
Make sure to
remove any clutter blocking emergency exits, equipment shutoffs, and areas that
you are working. A cluttered work area can lead to not having enough space to
use tools and pick up heavy objects properly. Furthermore, if an exit is obstructed,
you may not be able to quickly escape if an emergency occurs. Placing equipment
in proper storage areas after use will help keep the work area and emergency
exits clear.
6. Eliminate Fire
hazards.
If you are
using combustible materials in the work environment, only keep the amount you
need for the task at hand. When you are not using the flammable material, store
the chemical in an assigned safe storage area away from sources of ignition.
Also, store combustible waste in metal receptacles and dispose of it daily. 5
percent or more of a room’s surface being covered by 0.8 millimetres of
dust—about the width of a dime—can cause an explosion if the dust catches on
fire. To prevent dust accumulation, use industrial vacuums to frequently clean
areas where dust gathers.
7. Avoid Tracking
Hazardous Materials
To ensure
that hazardous materials are not accidentally tracked into other areas, make
sure that work area mats are maintained and kept clean. Prevent
cross-contamination by using different cleaning materials—such as mops—for
various spills, and change clothes if you spill toxic materials on them. Also,
if you work with toxic materials, do not wear your work clothes home.
8. Prevent Objects
from Falling
To keep
objects from falling, use protections such as nets, toe boards, and toe rails.
In addition, stack boxes straight up and down, and place heavy objects on lower
shelves. Furthermore, keep stacked objects out of the way of aisles and work
areas.
9. Use Correct Posture when Lifting
To avoid
injuring your back when you are trying to pick up an item, keep your back
straight, use your legs to lift, and pick up the item without stooping or
twisting. Whenever possible, use mechanical aids such as a conveyor belt,
wheelbarrow, or forklift.
10. Take Work Breaks From Time to Time
Many
work-related injuries occur when a worker is tired and cannot adequately
observe dangers in their surroundings. By taking regular breaks, you are able
to stay more alert when working.