Workplace safety 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 coworkers can get your own safety program off the ground by giving your supervisors or safety leader(s) ideas on how things can be made safer. Any idea, no matter how small it may seem to you, may prevent a serious accident.
Here are some examples of rules you can follow to set an example for others and help your workplace safety program succeed.
- Do not engage in horseplay at the facility at any time – stay focused on the task at hand.
- 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 to get where you are going.
- Remember that sanitation is key: keep yourself and the facility clean and free from clutter to prevent accidents.
- Know your limits – never work at a height that makes you uncomfortable. Stop to re-evaluate your approach if the work you are doing seems hazardous or dangerous in any way.
- Never perform work that you are unauthorized to do.
- Watch out for the safety of non-workers, too. Customers or visitors can be seriously injured or killed if employees do not practice caution.
- Know what to do in case of emergency, whether it’s an on-the-job injury or natural disaster.
In short, workplace safety takes teamwork. Whatever your job status is or whatever your duties include, keep your eyes open for hazards and report them. For more safety tips, talk to your supervisor.
