No matter how many policies and guidelines are laid out for workplace safety, it’s impossible to have a work environment that is hazard-free without ensuring that all employees are aware of those guidelines and put them into practice. A safe working environment is based on how all workers of all levels adhere to and communicate about safety standards at work. The foundation of any workplace that is safe with minimal risk of hazards and danger is one which encourages employees to identify any hazards and unsafe behaviors which they see as well as offer their own suggestions for improving safety.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
The number one tip all employees should know is that being aware of their surroundings at work can help to prevent accidents and injury. Ensuring that all employees know how things should be laid out and how to quickly spot if anything is wrong can help to keep risks and hazards to a minimum as workers will be able to report anything which seems off straight away.
Use Correct Posture
Even employees who work at office jobs can be injured by not having the correct posture. All employees should be advised of correct posture in order to be avoid being hurt. Those who work at desks should keep their shoulders in line with their hips in order to avoid back problems. For workers who have jobs that involve bending and lifting heavy objects, it’s important for them to understand the correct posture and procedures for doing this so as not to injure themselves.
Take Regular Breaks
A large amount of work-related injuries and accidents occur due to an employee being tired. Because of this, it’s important for employees to understand that taking regular breaks is important to ensure that they are refreshed and alert to their surroundings rather than being burned out and run down. Scheduling short breaks regularly as well as making sure that difficult tasks are done when you are at the most alert such as first thing in the morning is key to minimizing workplace risk.
Use Tools and Machines
For employees who work in a job that requires them to use tools and machines that could cause harm if used incorrectly, it’s important to follow proper procedures. Even if this means that it takes longer to complete a task, it’s important not to cut corners when using dangerous machinery or tools in order to keep the risk of harm or injury to a minimum.
Report Unsafe Conditions
Many workplace injuries can be avoided if the harmful and unsafe conditions that caused them are reported as soon as discovered. In many workplaces, employees don’t realize that it is their responsibility to report unsafe conditions to a supervisor as soon as possible. Making sure that workers know to speak up if they see any unsafe conditions or behavior is important to making your workplace a safe place to be.
If you’re injured at work, Lamber Goodnow Personal Injury Lawyers can help.
