Moving to 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 job titles and transitioning into new roles in other areas. Staying safe in a new place can be challenging and require you to keep your eyes open for new hazards.  

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

Safety in New Surroundings

Before entering another area, 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 area, be on the guard at corners and close to machinery and appliances, and watch for vehicles on the move. Although equipment operators have their own safety regulations to follow, which include watching for pedestrians, be ready to move.

Look both ways before stepping out into an aisle or unfamiliar area. In aisles wide enough for truck or other equipment traffic, use 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 machine. If you can’t watch where you’re walking, wait until you can.

Watch out for slip, trip and fall hazards. Misplaced tools, pieces of materials, products or other objects pose hazards. Keep floors and aisles clear of these dangers.

Do not take shortcuts, regardless of how much time they save. Shortcuts are not approved routes and taking them can cause 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

When, transitioning into a new work environment, remember these precautions:

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

For more safety tips, talk to your supervisor to make sure you feel safe in a new place.