How do I know what safety measures are necessary?

When you think of workplace safety responsibilities, you probably think of all the regulations and requirements that regulation organizations impose on management to identify hazards and protect you and your coworkers.

However, regulation organizations assign you a portion of the responsibility for workplace safety, and in exchange for the right to a safe workplace, they give you and your coworkers certain specific obligations, including the responsibility to:

• Follow the guidelines related to workplace safety and health.

• Use the personal protective equipment that has been assigned to you (PPE).

• Participate in mandatory safety training.

• Report dangerous conditions to management.

Notify your supervisor of any job-related accidents, injuries, or illnesses, and seek medical attention.

In addition to these regulations organizations that are assigned safety responsibilities, your employer expects you to take responsibility for learning everything you need to know about your job and work environment so that you can always work safely.

It might be possible to reduce risk by substituting less hazardous materials, chemicals, equipment, or methods. As a result, the work/activity can be completed with less risk, ideally without using personal protective equipment.

Leaders in the field of occupational accident prevention have concluded that there are specific reasons why accidents occur after years of investigating accidents and conducting research in the domain of accident reconstruction.

They discovered that worker safety is influenced by worker behavior and human factors and devised ten safety rules, which, while many of you may have heard before, bear repeating:

1. STAY ALERT – AND ALIVE

The more alert a worker is, the less likely he will be injured. Make sure you know the proper, safe way ahead of time.

1. WEAR THE RIGHT CLOTHES

Work clothes should be well-fitting. Everything that can get caught in machinery or trip you up is dangerous. Wear appropriate protective clothing and equipment.

1. USE THE CORRECT TOOLS

If you need a hammer, get one. It might be more convenient to use pliers, a wrench, or a screwdriver, but you are more likely to be injured.

1. LEARN HOW TO LIFT

Lifting requires more than just muscle; it is an art form. Do not try to show off your strength; you might end up in the hospital. Get assistance with anything too heavy for you.

1. BE TIDY

Good housekeeping reduces workplace and home hazards. When not in use, always put tools away. Maintain clean floors by picking up scraps and wiping up spills. A trip or fall can be fatal.

1. REPORTING IS ESSENTIAL

Always report accidents, defective equipment, and unsafe conditions.

1. GET FIRST AID IMMEDIATELY

Neglected injuries can result in a serious infection, weeks of lost time, and possibly permanent damage.

1. SUPPORT YOUR SAFETY PROGRAM

If you have an idea you believe will reduce accidents, share it with your supervisor and set a good example by following safety regulations.

No matter how many safety guidelines and practices you put in place, they won't be effective unless your employees are aware of them and invested in following them.

By following these workplace safety tips, you can create a successful safety program that encourages employees to report unsafe situations and behaviors and promotes safe practices throughout the workday.