Workplace Safety Tips Every Employee Should Know
Ok, you may have drafted pages of safety guidelines and best practices for your workplace. But, all your efforts are no good, if your employees aren’t aware of these guidelines. A safe workplace is possible only when all employees work together and act based on the safety standards.
Here, in today’s post, we give you a list of top ten safety tips that all employees at all levels of your organization must be aware of.
- Maintain the Correct Posture
While this may seem trivial, it plays a vital role. If your employees work at a desk, instruct them to sit up straight and keep the shoulders in line with the hips to avoid straining the back. Similarly, when picking heavy things or handling heavy machinery, employees must use the correct form to avoid painful back problems. Avoid twisting and stooping.
If possible, provide employees with ergonomic furniture and safety equipment that helps them maintain the right posture.
- Take Periodic Breaks
Most injuries at the workplace occur as a result of being tired and burned out. To avoid this, ensure that your employees take regular breaks. This not only helps them stay fresh but also keeps them alert and focused on their surroundings.
Get your employees to finish tasks that require the most concentration early in the morning. This way they can tackle minor tasks, during the post-lunch slump.
- Be Aware of your Immediate Surroundings at Work
This means all employees must be aware of the hazards in the workplace. Only when employees are aware of the risks and dangers, they are likely to stay clear of hazardous situations. Also, it pays to be fully alert when operating heavy machinery.
- Operate Tools and Machines the Right Way
Remember that shortcuts are the fast-track to accidents. When operating heavy tools and machinery, ensure that your employees follow the right protocols and don’t take any quick shortcuts.
Additionally, don’t use one tool in place of another. For instance, don’t use scaffolding tools as an impromptu ladder. Using the right tools for the right job in the right way reduces workplace incidents significantly.
- Try to use Mechanical Tools and Aids wherever Possible
Instead of trying to move heavy boxes on their own or lift heavy tools with bare hands, train employees to use the right tools to avoid strains and injuries. Yes, using a wheelbarrow, forklift, crank or the conveyor belt may take a few extra minutes, but it’s worth it.
- Use the right Safety Equipment and Gear
This one goes without saying. Always instruct your employees to wear the proper safety gear for a task. Hard hats, earplugs, safety gloves, goggles and full-face masks reduce the risk of workplace injuries.
- Know the Emergency Exits and Keep them Clear at all Times
During an emergency, there’s no time to figure out where the exits are. Train your employees to be aware of all emergency exits. This way, they can use them quickly during an emergency, thereby reducing fatalities.
And, ensure that all emergency exits are clear and free from clutter and other equipment.
- Report unsafe conditions to the Manager
It’s not possible for the safety manager to be aware of all day-to-day hazards in the workplace. Instruct employees to report any hazards they come across during the day to the supervisor or shift manager.
This way all hazards are noted duly and the safety manager can take steps to rectify them as early as possible.
- Focus on making your Workplace Stress-free
Stress has an enormous impact on workplace productivity as well as increases workplace accidents. There are plenty of reasons why employees get stressed in the workplace. Some of the common factors include heavy workload, long work hours, and workplace conflicts among employees or with the management, job insecurity and so on.
Ensure that your employees get a way to relieve their stress. Provide them with open communication channels with their supervisors so that they can address the root cause of the issue and eliminate it.
- Above all, Stay Sober
You would be surprised at the number of workplace accidents that occur as a result of drug and alcohol abuse. Drugs and alcohol takes a toll on an employee’s ability to exercise the right judgment and impairs his concentration, leading to fatal injuries and accidents.
Ensure a strict “No alcohols and No Drugs” in the workplace.
The Last Word
As a business owner or a facility safety manager, it’s your duty to ensure that your employees are actively involved in the safety procedures in the workplace. Provide them with incentives to do so.
The tips listed here are a good starting point and can help you make a huge difference in the workplace.
Make 2018 the safest year ever. See how Totalika, can help you reach your safety goals this year by reducing workplace injuries. Call +91-124-661-3137 to speak or click here to connect with a Totalika expert today.
