It is the responsibility of employers to make the workplace secure for their employees. If they don’t pay heed to this, the working environment can become quite toxic. And this may increase the turnover rate by several folds. An employer has to understand that it’s important for every person within the organization to adhere to the safety practices and guidelines that you have set. By following these rules, companies will be able to create a successful safety program that will encourage employees to report unsafe behaviors and situations.
Do you know what event had an enormous effect on US workplace safety? It’s The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire which killed 143 workers. Since then, every company, big or small, has established its own safety rules to keep the employees and the premises safe.
How to Have a Safe Workplace
Workplace safety is extremely crucial for employees. After all, it helps in keeping them safe. With that said, here are five workplace safety tips that every employee should be aware of:
#1. Know About Your Surroundings
Every workplace has certain dangers. For instance, there might be conveyor belts or heavy machinery. You can even trip over different items in the office. Therefore, it is advised to be more aware of your surroundings. The more familiar you are with the workplace, the more you will know about the potential hazards. This will help you and your colleagues avoid dangerous situations.
#2. Mind Your Posture
When you are working in the office, you will have to be extra mindful of your posture. If not, you may develop a back problem or neck pain. If your work requires lifting things, it is advised to pick them up by keeping your back straight. Also, in case you ever come across a situation where the item is just too heavy to lift, it’s best to find some mechanical aid to assist you. If you can’t, ask a partner to help you.
#3. Take Frequent Breaks
It is necessary for employees to take frequent breaks. This is because if a worker is tired, the person will be more prone to an incident. The more tired your employees are, the less aware they will be of their surroundings as a result of which they can easily get injured. Therefore, the workers should consider taking breaks as it will keep them fresh. Also, one should do their most difficult tasks at the beginning of the shift as that’s when most employees are alert.
#4. Avoid Taking Shortcuts
Employees usually seek shortcuts to complete their tasks quicker. Well, you shouldn’t do that! You must know that certain workplace procedures exist to keep employees safe. Therefore, it is suggested that workers must follow the rules stated by the company to do their job right or they may expose themselves to risks and injury. You should always use the right tool to do the job perfectly.
#5. Know About the Latest Safety Procedures
Whenever your company purchases new equipment or updates training, it’s necessary that you become aware of the new safety procedures. While your employer will make sure to deliver proper training and your supervisor will ensure that you get the training timely, it is your responsibility to fully understand the new safety procedures. Also, you should know how to implement them before using any new equipment or machines. It is also encouraged to ask questions if you have any concerns about a safety procedure.
#6. Report Unsafe Conditions
If you want to stop unsafe or unwanted conditions from happening, it’s best to report them to your supervisor. Your supervisor is responsible for ensuring a safe working environment for all employees. Thus, when such conditions are brought to their attention, they will take every possible step to get rid of them. Reporting hazardous or unsafe conditions to your supervisor is your duty and you shall do this as soon as possible so that immediate action can be taken.
#7. Clear All Emergency Exits
A company shall never block emergency exits by placing items in front of them. This is a big no! And every organization should know this. However, you will be surprised to know that many employers don’t pay heed to this. And so, you may find trolley carts, ladders, and even forklifts blocking the emergency exits.
Conclusion
And there you have it! These are some of the useful tips that will allow employees to keep themselves safe while at work. Depending on the working environment, workers can suggest to their employers how to improve workplace safety. And employers should be corporative enough to listen to their concerns and should try to implement changes.
