Health and safety is a big part of any workplace. It’s up to employers and employees alike to make sure that all workplace standards are being met and that everyone stays safe and healthy.
From straining backs lifting heavy boxes to inhaling dangerous chemicals or tripping on a ladder, many injuries can be prevented simply by following workplace protocols and reporting any unsafe conditions immediately.
Know Your Job
If your job involves a risky environment, you should get the training needed to perform it safely. It’s also important to understand what your employer is doing to keep you safe.
Employees should be encouraged to help shape a healthy workplace environment and be made aware of any new health and safety measures as soon as possible. This will increase buy-in and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Know The Environment
Whether you’re clocking time at an office job or working with heavy equipment, your environment is full of potential hazards. These can range from physical issues, such as faulty wires and falling objects, to chemical and biological hazards like mold and fungus, bacteria, and sewage.
A safe work environment benefits everyone. Productive employees do their jobs more quickly and efficiently, and companies save on costs associated with accidents, ill health, worker’s compensation claims, and damage to industrial equipment.
Safety Breaks
Taking regular breaks will help you keep your focus and energy high on the job. Many injuries happen when workers are tired and burned out. Keeping yourself hydrated and taking a break to stretch can help prevent burnout and make you more productive.
Workers in workplaces that are fully committed to health and safety procedures tend to perform better on the job, with less days absent due to illness or injury. This helps your business save money through reduced downtime and decreased costs for worker’s compensation claims or repair of industrial equipment.
Wear The Right Gear
The right gear can protect workers from many different hazards, from injuries caused by falling objects to toxins and chemicals. Depending on the job, personal protective equipment (PPE) may include hard hats, safety glasses, earplugs, chemical suits, or full face masks.
These pieces of PPE can drastically reduce worker accidents and illnesses. Using the correct gear can also help prevent back injuries from lifting heavy materials and reduce workplace fatigue.