As much time as we spend at our workplaces, maintaining a safe work environment is of the utmost importance.
And for safety to be maintained, everyone must do their part. Management must do a good job informing their workers of policy, and workers must do a good job implementing those practices.
Below we’ve identified the top five tips to make our work environments more safe.
1. Know Your Surroundings
In most workplaces, there are certain areas that employees should steer clear of and certain machinery or equipment that they may not be authorized to use. There are also specified places with equipment that can help in an emergency situation, like medical equipment or MSDS sheets. Be aware of your surroundings in order to avoid potentially hazardous situation and help when possible.
2. Maintain Proper Posture For Back Protection
Handling heavy loads all day can be hard on your back. So can sitting at a desk and standing all day. For each situation, know what precautions you should take to protect your back from injury. It could be wearing a back brace for lifting and learning the proper way to lift heavy objects, or it may be making sure you’re using ergonomic furniture in your office.
3. Make Sure You’re Taking Breaks
An overworked or exhausted worker is not a safe worker. Several workplace injuries have occurred as the result of a tired worker. Taking periodic breaks throughout the day is not only good for making sure you’re working safely, it also helps you work more efficiently.
4. Use Equipment Properly
From office buildings to construction sites, workplaces vary. Each workplace has specific equipment with its own set of potential hazards. Know the proper way to use all equipment and machinery.
5. Make Emergency Exits Accessible
Know where all emergency exits are. Many employees don’t take this as seriously as they should and when they find themselves in an emergency situation they’re frantically wondering where to go. Don’t wonder — know! In emergency situations, time is of the essence.
