For many businesses, workplace safety is one of the biggest concerns, and rightfully so. Apart from ensuring legal compliance and avoiding potential lawsuits, creating a safe working environment also allows companies to keep their workers safe and protected. However, avoiding accidents and injuries, and maintaining a healthy and safe workplace isn’t only the employer’s responsibility. Employees have to take certain steps as well in order to create a safer and more secure working environment, and here are some of the most important tips you should follow:
Report unsafe conditions immediately
In some instances, employees might be hesitant to mention hazards and unsafe working conditions to their superiors, in the fear of suffering repercussions. However, this shouldn’t occur in any safe working environment, as such behavior only increases the potential for on-site injuries and accidents. Instead, you must realize it’s your employer’s legal and moral obligation to create safe working conditions, and always report any inconsistencies or dangers as soon as you notice them. This is the only way to react to hazards quickly and eliminate threats effectively, leading to a safer and more secure working environment for you and your coworkers.
Keep your workplace clean and tidy
A significant percentage of workplace accidents and injuries that occur each year are contributed to falls, trips, and slips. Fortunately, this is one potential danger that could easily be avoided, as long as all employees make an effort to keep their working environments clean and tidy. While it is the duty of your employer to ensure a clean and safe workplace, fast-paced environments are often difficult to maintain without a collective effort. To that end, simply removing any unnecessary items from your workstation, wiping any spills immediately, keeping the walkways clear, neatly stacking large and heavy items, and sanitizing equipment and working areas after use can go a long way towards creating a cleaner and safer working environment.
Follow the latest safety guidelines
Whether your company updates its safety procedure or even purchases new tools and equipment, you must be familiar with the new changes and guidelines in order to adhere to safety protocols and aid in creating a healthier and more secure working environment. Similarly, your local government might change laws and regulations regarding safety in the workplace, and it pays to stay up to date with these guidelines as well, which can often be done simply by checking relevant websites regularly. Not only will this aid in your own protection, but it will also help to ensure the workplace is up to code and safe for everyone involved as well.
Always wear protective equipment
While wearing personal protective equipment such as hard hats, goggles, and hearing protection might be a necessary aspect of many jobs, workers often forget that there is much more to physical safety in the workplace. For instance, investing in durable work boots is always advised, allowing you to keep your feet safe and protected even in harsher working conditions. Apart from offering impact, abrasion, and cut resistance, a high-quality pair of boots will also have waterproof and moisture-wicking qualities, as well as providing comfort and improving blood flow, thus truly having everything you might need from a good pair of work shoes. Apart from that, don’t forget to wear long, protective clothing that will help to keep your skin safe as well.
Take regular breaks from working
Employees who are overworked and tired often present a liability in the workplace. When you are tired and unable to fully focus on the task at hand, especially if the task includes the use of intricate equipment or machinery, you run the risk of causing accidents and potentially harming yourself and others. For that reason, it’s incredibly important to take regular breaks during the workday. Simply taking a five to ten-minute break every hour will allow you to rest and recharge, improving your mental sharpness, clarity, and focus, and giving you the opportunity to perform your job optimally in an effort to avoid making unnecessary mistakes.
Provide guidance to new employees
As already mentioned, safety in the workplace is a team effort. If you are a more seasoned and experienced employee, make it a point to provide guidance to any new workers that join your team. Whether that means providing necessary training, giving advice on the proper use of equipment, or simply educating new employees about the company’s safety standards and practices, your guidance will help to ensure the entire staff is fully invested in the importance of safety, thus aiding in the creation of a healthier, safer, and more secure working environment.
From reporting unsafe working conditions to wearing proper equipment and taking regular breaks, you should always have the safety tips mentioned above in mind if you wish to create a safer working environment. After all, it’s smaller steps like these you can carry out each day that help to fortify a healthy and safe company culture.