Workplace accidents happen every day across the country, but you can prevent many of them where you work by following these essential safety tips.
Stay Alert
When you’re at work for 8 or 10 hours a day, it’s not difficult to lose focus toward the end of a shift and pay less attention to what you’re doing. But people who work in factories, construction, and warehouses, are among the folks who must remain alert and on task.
All it takes is one or two seconds of inattention, and you could be in an accident. Fortunately, a worker’s compensation attorney can usually help you to obtain the money for your lost wages, but it’s better if the accident hadn’t happened in the first place.
Wear the Proper Gear
If your job occurs in a hazardous environment, you always need to wear the protective gear your employer provides. Your company should also offer regular training in the correct use of helmets, goggles, gloves, safety boots, and so on.
Wearing the protective gear every day may seem a bother, but doing so can prevent serious injuries.
Be Aware of Ergonomics
Musculoskeletal injuries are a frequent result of workplace incidents. Whether you are employed in an office or on a construction site, incorrect posture can lead to back or neck injuries.
If you sit in the office all day, your employer ought to supply an ergonomic chair. But some of the work of preventing injuries is up to you: Get up and stretch every 30 or 60 minutes. Going for a brisk walk at lunchtime can help you stay loose.
For workers in the field, never forget to lift with your legs, not your back. It’s also helpful to limit manual lifting and handling, especially if they can be repetitive tasks.
You should use tools and equipment as much as possible to avoid repetitive stress injuries.
Keep the Work Area Clean
Having a tidy workspace is essential to keep everyone safe. Make sure the floor is cleared after every shift, and that emergency exits are always accessible.
If your workplace contains chemicals, safety data sheets should be available, so workers know what to do in an emergency.
Do Safety Checks
You and your managers should conduct regular safety inspections in hazardous work areas. For example, it’s common for unused equipment to end up blocking emergency exits; these should always be clear and usable.
Next, perform a regular safety evaluation to identify possible hazards. Some businesses even hire a safety consultant to survey their workplace.
This can pay for itself over time by preventing workplace accidents. Check every day to make sure there aren’t any spills in busy work areas which could lead to a slip-and-fall incident.
Use PPE
If you work in an environment that has hazardous materials and chemicals, you should be certain to wear protective gear, including goggles, gloves, and facemasks. In one careless moment, you could be seriously injured.
Have an Emergency Action Plan
You should have a plan for what to do in the case of an emergency. The plan should illustrate all emergency exits and where workers should meet later if they have to evacuate.
Also, place someone in charge of counting heads during an evacuation, and do regular fire drills, so your team will be ready if the worst happens.
Have Regular Training
Educating everyone on your team about potential safety risks on the site can prevent accidents. When employees understand the risks of their job, they will do what they can to reduce injuries.
Hosting regular training sessions to instruct workers about safety programs can make all the difference. These sessions might focus on:
- How to lift heavy objects safely
- How to handle hazardous materials and chemicals
- How to report accidents
- Where fire extinguishers and other emergency equipment are located
If you and your team practice these safety tips, you will all lower your risk of workplace accidents.
