A walk through other areas of the workplace is a common occurrence, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t stay alert. This is particularly true for employees leaving their old, familiar departments and moving into a new work environment.   

New employees receive instructions regarding training and safety precautions. However, when transitioning roles to a new work environment, it can operate very differently; procedures and equipment may be different and safety precautions may vary as well.

Safety in New Surroundings

Before entering a new work environment, familiarize yourself with any special rules or procedures necessary for your safety. This might mean wearing special personal protective equipment or meeting certain regulations concerning employee actions.

During the transition to your new work environment, be on the guard at corners and close to machinery, and watch for power and hand trucks on the move. Although equipment operators have their own safety regulations to follow, which include watching for pedestrians, be cautious and ready to move.

When entering a new work environment, look both ways before stepping out into an aisle. In aisles wide enough for truck or other equipment traffic, use extreme caution. Don’t try to beat an oncoming forklift or other machinery; you could easily misjudge its speed and fall in front of it. Don’t walk while you’re looking in another direction, you could bump into another employee or a machine. If you can’t watch where you’re walking, wait until you can.

When learning a new work environment, watch out for slip, trip, and fall hazards. Misplaced tools, pieces of materials or other objects pose hazards. Keep floors and aisles clear of these dangers.

In addition, do not take shortcuts, regardless of how much time they save. Shortcuts are not approved routes and taking them can cause very serious injuries.

At times, it may be necessary to restrict your admittance to certain areas. Whether the restrictions are temporary or permanent, don’t enter the area unless authorized to do so. 

Safety Precautions

Stay safe when transitioning into a new work environment by remembering these basic safety precautions:

• Watch out for moving equipment.
• Look both ways before stepping into an aisle.
• Use handrails.
• Keep your eyes open for slip, trip and fall hazards.
• Don’t take shortcuts.
• Stay out of restricted areas.
• Ask for direction regarding unfamiliar safety guidelines.