When people think about workplace accidents, they often automatically associate them with high-risk jobs, such as construction, manufacturing, fire fighting, police, etc.

However, accidents can happen everywhere – at home, in the streets, in the office, and most likely in an industrial workplace.

This is the reason why workplace safety needs to be taken seriously. It is every company’s responsibility to make sure that their workplace meets safety standards and provides a safe environment for everyone working in it. Usually, when protocols aren’t followed, there is a higher risk of serious injuries.

While accidents still happen no matter how careful you are, it pays to still follow safety tips to save your life and your co-workers as well:

1. Wear the appropriate uniform/s for the task

Workers wearing their proper uniform

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Image by NAVFAC

Some employees may not understand the importance of wearing the appropriate uniform at work. Make sure your staff knows the real purpose of uniforms in the workplace.

Uniforms and protective garments, vests, or identification cards were given to every employee for uniformity and protection purposes. These uniforms have functional benefits, including the safety of a worker.

High visibility uniforms can prevent workers from being struck by motorized vehicles. Flame resistant (FR) workwear can help reduce the risk of injuries from accidents like electrical arc flashes or flash fires.

2. Remind Workers to Be Alert at all Times

Most workplace accidents can be avoided by simply being alert to hazards and following safety rules. Remind your staff to always be alert and have presence of mind especially when their work involves safety risks.

When work conditions at a workplace change, unexpected new hazards develop. This is why it’s important that workers stay alert to watch out for these changes in the environment.

3. Don’t assign workers to jobs they are not trained for

Three male employees having their training

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Image by NASA/James Blair

Saying ‘no’ can sometimes be difficult for employees. Some employees say yes to whatever task is given to them just to give the impression that they’re dependable, jacks of all trades.

But if accidents can happen while they’re doing their regular tasks, what more the tasks that they are not supposed to do? Tasks that they were not trained to do?

It’s okay to assign employees on new tasks so they get to try new things and prove that they’re reliable and versatile but safety always has to come first. It’s okay to assign different tasks if you think it will not cost their life or job or other’s as well. And if an unfamiliar task can pose risks to a worker’s safety and the safety of the people around him/her, then it’s best to assign tasks only to those who were trained for them.

4. Be available for all sorts of consultations with employees

It’s important that employees always consult a supervisor before doing tasks especially the new ones. So make sure you are always available for those times when they are in doubt and would need a superior’s advice or help. Sometimes if you’re too comfortable doing your job, there’s a tendency to slack, relax or be complacent.

5. Organise regular emergency drills

Safety actual drills

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Image by Lance Cpl. Donald Holbert

Companies or building management conduct fire/earthquake drills for a reason. Don’t take them for granted. Ignorance doesn’t excuse anyone. Emergencies happen unexpectedly, it may take you by surprise, so make sure you are ready and you know what to do.

6. Form a rescue team

Having a team to look after everyone in cases of emergencies is nice and comforting. Companies should form a medic team or rescue team that is responsible for managing the rest of the workers.

The responsibility of the team is to calm down workers in case of emergencies, giving first-aid or immediate treatments, monitoring possible hazards, and accounting people.

7. Safety first

Safety reminders for everyone

Photo Courtesy of Flickr Image by Michael Coghlan

Employers should always prioritise the safety and health of their workers no matter what. Making them feel you value their safety over profit means a lot to employees and it can go a long way.

Employees often repay their employer’s kindness with faithfulness, honesty, hard work, and enthusiasm. This directly translates to increased productivity.

8. Put up safety reminders and First Aid posters

In order to avoid future accidents at work and keep everyone aware of the importance of workplace safety, make sure to post safety reminder signs or First Aid posters that are visible to all employees.

Require everyone to read and understand these posters. Sometimes, even when reminder posters are already all over the place, some employees won’t read them so it’s best to make sure that they are aware and have clearly understood the risks involved with their work.

9. Follow safety program of your workplace

Strips, trips, falls poster for safety

Photo Courtesy of Flickr Image by Jennifer Boyer

For employers, install safety programs that employees should follow. It’s for your safety and theirs as well. Make sure they follow them.

10. Check for safety hazards

Look out for possible causes of accidents and report it to the proper authority/management. It pays to be curious. Report damaged stairs, faulty wirings, or busted lights to the management. Do not wait for accidents to happen before you tell them.

Both employers and employees can take many precautionary measures to prevent an accident at work. However, a worker who follows the safety measures and procedures set by the employers for the workplace will most likely be able to prevent future accidents.

OSHA’s Injury and Illness Prevention Programs can pinpoint specific hazards in the workplace and give management a detailed evaluation with tips for improvement. Every office and small business can and should take advantage of it.

We cannot discount human errors that fall through the cracks simply because they’re overlooked, even when there are specific safety requirements for individual industries, which employers need to meet.

Put safety first. Workers and employers often ignore safety when rushing to meet deadlines. But it pays to be safe always and enforce safety measures.

When it comes to workplace health and safety, Alsco is a name to trust. We provide a wide range of services and products that help businesses like you keep the workplace a safe environment for employees and visitors alike.

From industrial workwear to anti-slip mats, and even First Aid services. Call us today and we’ll help you find the best safety solutions for your workplace!

Photo Courtesy of Flickr Image by Land Between the Lakes