7 Safety Tips to Keep Your Workplace Injury-Free

When we talk of workplace safety, the images that come into mind are mostly construction workers hanging off high-rise buildings. The truth is there are hazards in any workplace, including office environments.

Thousands of employees fall victim to workplace injury every year. This has led to reduced productivity in the workplace, increased healthcare costs, and increased workers’ compensation claims, thereby having devastating effects on the injured employees as well as their employers. Here are a few things you can do to keep your workplace injury-free:

Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is essential in any working environment to protect users from workplace hazards. Note that different working environments require different safety gears. Some of the common PPEs include helmets, metal detectable gloves, slip-resistant shoes, earmuffs, hard hats, full-face masks, goggles, and much more. When worn correctly, these safety gears will significantly reduce the risk of accidents at your workplace. Be sure to check that they are in good condition before using them.

Keep Clean

A cluttered and untidy working environment is much more difficult to manoeuvre and more prone to hazards. Having a clean, organized, and clutter-free workspace can help avoid unnecessary hazards such as being hit by falling objects, tripping over scattered objects, slipping on wet surfaces, and so on.

Inspect Equipment before Operating

It’s important to do a complete visual inspection of all equipment before using them to ensure they are safe to operate. In case there’s an issue with the equipment, inform management about it. Remember to keep all inspection records to let other workers know about the equipment’s working condition.

Follow All OSHA/HSA/HSE Protocols

The law requires all employers to provide danger-free workplaces to their employees. Those researching long term disability due to work-related injury/illness should seek help from an attorney experienced in Social Security Disability law. Several organizations have been put in place to protect people in the workplace. For instance, OSHA/HSA/HSE protocols describe the methods employers must use to protect their employees from hazards. Following these simple rules and guidelines can go a long way in keeping your workplace injury-free.

Report Any Hazard to Management

If you notice something that could potentially hurt someone, clear it up if you can do it safely. If not, inform your supervisor. Management is legally obligated to provide a safe working environment and will surely take care of any workplace hazards to ensure that. Both employees and employers should work together to find a long-term solution to prevent a similar unsafe condition from occurring in the future.

Store Hazardous Chemicals Properly

Hazardous chemicals need to be properly labelled and stored. Ask management if you are unsure where to store them. Chemicals such as gasoline are combustible and should be stored in highly ventilated areas. Failure to do so can put everyone’s safety at risk. Any spills or splatters made while working with hazardous chemicals must be properly cleaned right away.

Implement Emergency Procedures

Even with all the safety precautions in place, some accidents can still happen. It’s important to have an emergency management plan to prepare for the unexpected. All employees should practise emergency drills. Also, remember to update your office first-aid kit, as well as keep a few snacks and water for emergencies. This will mitigate the effects of an accident at the workplace, like preventing long-term disability.