Safety on the job site is something all employees should take seriously—nothing less than the future of your family is at stake. They are counting on you to provide food and shelter, and an on-the-job accident could very easily disable you, leaving security and future plans up in the air. Together, you and your co-workers can get your own safety program off the ground by giving your supervisors or safety leaders ideas on how things can be made safer. In a manufacturing environment, any idea—no matter how small it may seem to you—may prevent a serious accident.

If you are a seasoned employee, you can use your years of valuable experience to spot potential safety hazards.  Or, if you are a new employee, you may be able to spot something right away that an old pro may have overlooked.

Here are some examples of rules you can follow to set an example for others and help your safety program succeed.

• Do not engage in horseplay on the manufacturing floor at any time—stay focused on the task at hand. If you are having trouble focusing, request earplugs to block out heavy plant noise and distractions.
• Allow your co-workers to stay focused at all times by refraining from distracting actions.
• Always wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Watch your footing at all times, and never run through the plant.
• Remember that sanitation is key: keep yourself and your station clean and free from debris.
• Know your limits—if you feel fatigued or like you cannot complete your work safely, stop and decide what you need to do to stay out of harm’s way.
• Never perform work that you are unauthorized to do.
• Know what to do in case of emergency, whether it’s an on-the-job injury or natural disaster.

In short, safety takes teamwork. Whatever your job is or whatever your duties include, keep your eyes open for hazards and report them. Help keep our safety program on solid ground.

For more safety tips, talk to your supervisor.