Safety is a vital aspect of any Job. In manufacturing and construction companies, “safety” is elevated to their mission statement as an imperative core value. A well-rounded strategy minimizes the risk of illness, injury, and morbidity.
A safe workplace means a happy workplace. Workers’ productivity and physical and mental health are directly impacted by it. Apart from an employer’s safe work environment, you can do many other things to ensure a healthier and happier life.
Why Is Workplace Safety Crucial?
Workplace safety protects workers from impending danger. A safe environment increases productivity, boosts morale and reduces absenteeism. In addition, injuries and incidents reduce costs. Without a system, workers could experience problems that impact their productivity and the company’s image.
A successful workplace safety program complies with all the protocols and guidelines established to alleviate the risks and reduce the rates of workplace accidents. Employees must be wholly committed to these tips to help set up and maintain a healthy work environment. It is up to everyone to come together and take responsibility. Only such commitment and dedication can help timely identify hazards and correct and maintain safety protocols.
Who Is In Charge Of Workplace Safety?
In most companies, the Human Resources (HR) department is officially in charge of maintaining a safe environment in the workplace. Therefore, it falls upon supervisors and employees to ensure workplace safety.
Ways To Stay Safe At Your Job
You may work indoors or outdoors. For example, you may be on desk duty or have to be present around heavy machinery.
Regardless, you must always be aware of safety hazards in the workplace, so you can only protect yourself by paying attention. An even better idea is to take note of potential dangers and adapt accordingly.
Proper Use of Equipment and Machinery
Proper and cautious use of tools and work equipment is essential to prevent injury. You must only operate machinery you have received formal training for and are licensed to operate. In addition, make sure that the equipment you work with is maintained and undergoes its scheduled six-month maintenance checkup. Finally, ensure that you only use the equipment for its intended purpose. Using something to perform work beyond its intended function increases the incidence of safety hazards.
Report unsafe work conditions
Everyone is accountable if a safety hazard exists in the workplace and remains unaddressed.
If you observe that something is not working correctly, and there is a chance of an accident that may harm you or someone around you, report it immediately. Consider it your foremost duty to take the matter up with your supervisor and ask for a fix.
Do not forget to wear the required safety gear.
All machinery comes with accompanying safety gear. This includes reflective gear, fire-resistant clothing, sturdy helmets, industrial overalls, and rubber, insulating, non-slip shoes. In addition, plastic face shields and masks are considered necessary in a hazardous work environment. As a result, you are protected against dust and debris. They also have the added benefit of protecting you from toxic chemicals or fumes that may pose a health risk.
Maintain a clean working environment
Try to keep your environment free of clutter. Scattered objects and pieces of residual material can act as obstacles in your way. As a result, you could trip and fall and hurt yourself badly.
Keep your field of view and walking path clear. A clean and tidy workplace will not only keep you and your coworkers out of danger’s way. Still, it will also positively impact your motivation and determination to work and make a difference.
Keep yourself hydrated
Amidst a strict work routine and hectic working hours, it can be easy to forget to drink water. During the summer, you are already at risk of dehydration due to extremely high temperatures. And hydration is of particular importance during the winter season when the environment is dry. Watch out for signs of dehydration. These include a dry mouth, lightheadedness, dehydration, blurred vision, and dark-colored urine with a decreased frequency of urination.
Always keep a water bottle handy. Set an hourly alarm on your phone if that helps remind you to replenish your body’s water needs.
Maintain proper body posture
Your posture is likely to be affected if your job requires you to be seated for extended periods or lift heavy weights. As a result, you may experience backache, shoulder pain, and muscle fatigue. Bad posture may also affect your appearance, causing your shoulders to lean forward. Therefore, ergonomics plays a very substantial role in preserving the workplace.
Furthermore, using proper lifting techniques for heavy weights is crucial, as this will improve your health.
Take a break every once in a while
Regular breaks from your work routine are beneficial for your physical and mental well-being. Therefore, put yourself through strenuous physical exertion only at intervals, with gaps in between.
Try not to look at your computer screen for extended periods, as the blue light that screens emit has proven harmful. In the initial stages, it strains the eyes, affecting vision and focus in chronic cases.
Take a 5-minute walk now and then to maintain your body’s circulation and lymphatic flow.
Stay aware of your surroundings.
Avoid walking through your workplace mindlessly. Instead, try to be more aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out for water, oil spills, and other solid objects. Bring available mechanical aids into use rather than opting for shortcuts. For example, if you have a wheelbarrow or forklift functional for heavy lifting, do not hesitate to use it, even if it takes longer. Safety comes first.
The first thing you need to do when you start a new job is to find an emergency exit. Disaster does not come knocking on the door, so you must always be prepared if it strikes. Furthermore, ensure that access to these emergency exits is unhindered at all times.
Beware of equipment and materials that come with a “hazardous” label. Use them with caution and encourage your coworkers to do the same.
You must know where the first aid kit is kept in case of minor or major accidents. Always attend first aid workshops conducted by your company, and do not take them lightly.
Remember where the fire extinguisher is installed so you can quickly extinguish an accidental fire. If you have any doubts about specific safety protocols, never assume and always ask questions to ensure certainty.
Conclusion
Workplace health is of the utmost importance to employers and employees. Employers must follow provincial and federal occupational health and safety regulations guided by local and federal laws. At the same time, employees are required by law to abide by these rules. Cooperation at both ends is necessary to maintain workplace harmony and ensure safety.
