Each and every day, new difficulties and toils emerge in the workplace which can ultimately lead to the compromise of safety. In response, there are many practices that an organization can take to improve the welfare of employees and boost safety awareness. However, some of these practices are often widely ignored, and the consequences of this can be discouraging.
Here are the top ten safety tips that often go ignored in the workplace:
1) Lifting Properly
Many workers take proper posture when lifting for granted. As a result, some employees become exhausted and overexerted. Additionally, personnel may be prone to sprains, strains or muscle tears by lifting an object that is too heavy for them to lift on their own or by failing to do so properly.
2) Electrical Safety
According to Construction Business Owner, electrocutions cause the second-highest number of construction fatalities, after falls. It is recommended that employees acquire a basic understanding of electrical equipment and tools and learn how to check wires for missing or worn insulation, so they are aware of live currents and potential hazards.
3) Maintaining An Orderly Work Place
A disorganized workplace can conjure a wide range of potential disasters. Therefore, maintaining a clean and organized workplace will remove many hazards from the work area and will also promote a more productive work environment overall.
4) Having A First Aid Kit Handy
Accidents do happen but having the appropriate first aid materials readily available in the event of an injury can prevent the situation from getting worse. For basic cuts and wounds, antibacterial ointment and bandages can stop infection and aid in healing. For more severe injuries, a collection of gauze pads can stop bleeding and provide support if further emergency care is required. Failure to have these materials available can pose a great threat to employees.
5) Assuring Proper Lighting
A basic yet rudimentary precept, poor lighting can be a chief catalyst of workplace accidents. Assuring proper lighting can prevent all forms of hazards and bolster safety in the workplace.
6) Proper Handling of Hazardous Materials
Improper handling of hazardous materials or failing to don appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is another hindrance to workplace safety. That said, the review and dissemination of material safety data handling sheets can be paramount in accident prevention. Also, many workplaces can avoid incidents by equipping employees with a basic ensemble of protective attire.
7) Reducing Falls
Wet floors or high-traffic corridors can cause employees to trip or fall and get injured. Improper footwear can also contribute to such an incident. Equipping employees with appropriate work boots can promote traction and reduce the risk of slips.
8) Dressing Properly for Work
On cold winter days, it is recommended to wear heavier clothes with dark colors. In the summer months, employees should wear lighter articles of clothing that wick (let air in) and are of lighter hues to reflect sunlight. Adhering to this advisory pays dividends as the difference in temperature between wearing seasonally appropriate clothing can be several critical degrees.
9) Having An Action Plan
In the event of an emergency, an action plan can protect all employees and workers from potentially deadly consequences. It also establishes an effective and safe method to handle all the challenges that may emerge over the work day.
10) Valuing Conflict Resolution
According to TPA, basic workplace arguments have led to serious physical injuries. Having a peer mediator available is a great way to increase employee safety by quelling the potential escalation of violence between employees.
What safety practices does your business encourage?
Guest Author Bio:
Tom Reddon is a forklift specialist and blog manager for National Forklift Exchange. He also sits on the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association Executive Dialogue team. Connect with him via Twitter at @TomReddon.
