Safety on the job is so important, it’s a full-time job in itself. In every workplace, especially in workplaces with numerous hazards, employers are tasked with ensuring the safety of all workers. Providing a safe workplace is only half of the task, though, since employees themselves need to make smart choices and look out for themselves as well.
Make sure your employees are making the best safety decisions, and give them little reminders like these each day to stress the importance of an injury-free space. Together with your employees, you can do little things to improve safety in the workplace for everyone.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Ensuring safety on the job starts with taking notice of surroundings. Anything out of place or any unexpected surprises can be caught sooner if you are always paying attention to the environment in your workplace.
Take Regular Breaks
A tired or restless employee is an employee in danger. It’s difficult to be aware of your surroundings if you’re getting tired, and you’re less likely to make careful moves if you’re becoming restless. Taking a break can give you a needed refresher and keep you in top shape for work.
Use Tools and Equipment Properly
Using the wrong tools for the job is a sure way to cause injury or break something. All tools, big and small, should always be used for only the intended purpose to avoid an accident. Consult training, informational materials, or a manager if you’re unsure of any tools or their proper use.
Always Wear Personal Protective Equipment
Staying safe often involves wearing protective gear that can sometimes be uncomfortable or seem pointless. It’s always important to wear the required and recommended safety gear. All personal protective equipment should be worn properly and at all times in the work area. Even though accidents don’t usually occur, the first time PPE is left behind could be the first time something goes awry.
Keep the Area Tidy
Keeping work areas cleaned up from clutter and trash can help to reduce the risks of slips, trips, and falls as well as fire hazards and other potential incidents. Trash isn’t the only housekeeping concern: tools should be kept out of the way, either stored when not in use or out of the way when needed for the task. In addition, many types of dust and dirt can create hazards; so as a general rule, every workplace needs to be kept clean and clutter-free.
Only Complete Tasks for Which You’ve Been Properly Trained
Proper training is one of the most basic and important steps in workplace safety. Inadequate training—or a complete lack of training—is just about the most dangerous thing businesses can do to put their employees at risk. Before beginning a task, take a moment to ensure that you’re authorized, sufficiently trained, and alert for the job. If you’re not, talk to a supervisor so that you can take care of what is needed for the job to be done safely.
Simple, basic steps are the foundation of a safe work environment. Make safety in the workplace a priority for all employees by emphasizing the little things that can make a huge impact. Share these 6 quick tips with your employees, and ask them how you can help them make easy, safe choices on the job.
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