6 Ways to Keep Your Business Safe
No matter how many safety policies and procedures you put in place, they won’t help unless your staff are aware of and committed to following them. Employees at all levels of an organization work together to communicate and adhere to the safety rules in place to create the safest work environments possible. A good safety program encourages employees to report harmful circumstances and behaviors, as well as promotes safe habits throughout the workday.
Here are some workplace safety suggestions that every employee should be aware of in order to ensure that all employees are involved in building a safety program that encourages everyone in the company to share responsibility.
1. Stay In Touch with Your Environment
Whether it’s massive, heavy gear, conveyor belts, or stumbling over stuff in the office, every job site has its own set of hazards. Being aware of your surroundings is the best approach to keep yourself safe. You’ll be more alert of potential hazards if you’re more familiar with your tasks and workplace. Whether it’s in the stockyard or during government fleet management operations, knowing your environment and being aware of the possible risks will assist you, and your coworkers avoid situations that are unneeded or dangerous.
2. Take Breaks
It is critical that staff take their scheduled breaks on a regular basis. They were put in place by OSHA for a reason: weary workers are the ones who are most likely to have an accident. The more exhausted you are, the less aware of your surroundings you are, and the higher your risk of harm. To keep yourself fresh, take the breaks you’re allowed on a regular basis, and attempt to arrange your most challenging activities for the beginning of your shift, when you’re most attentive.
3. Report Safety Concerns
The only way to prevent unsafe conditions from occurring is to notify supervisors as soon as you become aware of them and contribute to the solution. Your supervisor is legally responsible for maintaining a safe working environment for all employees and will address any harmful circumstances. Still, they must be aware of them in order to do so. To keep yourself and other employees safe, it’s critical to report any dangerous scenario or unsafe condition as soon as feasible. Collaborate to identify a solution that will prevent the dangerous situation from recurring.
4. Watch Your Posture
We’ve all heard the adage “lift with your legs, not your back,” but maintaining proper posture is important for more than just those who lift things on a regular basis. If you work at a desk, you should maintain an excellent posture to avoid back pain, neck pain, and even carpal tunnel syndrome. If you must lift something at work, make sure to keep your back straight and raise it using your legs. And if you ever have to move something that you believe is excessively heavy, spend a few extra seconds to look for a mechanical aid or lift with a partner. Your back is worth the extra few seconds, whether you’re using a forklift or a wheelbarrow.
5. Don’t Take Shortcuts
Workplace policies are in place to keep employees safe, particularly those who work with heavy gear. It’s critical to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using any tool or machine. Shortcuts can cause injury and aren’t worth the small quantity of time they save. Always make sure you’re using the right tool for the job and that you’re utilizing it correctly.
6. Keep Exits Clear
Even if it’s only for a few minutes, never put anything in front of an emergency exit door. While this may seem obvious, you’d be surprised how often ladders, trolley carts, and even forklifts are parked in front of emergency exits. Also, make sure there are easy pathways to equipment emergency shutoffs in case something needs to be turned off right away.
Following a few common-sense safety tips can make your business a safer and more enjoyable place to work.
