Every company provides safety protocols and practices before hiring its employees. Most have sit-down presentations and handbooks to further inculcate said rules. However, just like any set of rules, they would not work if all parties are not actively observing. It can lead to workplace accidents that impede overall productivity and, more importantly, endanger lives. It is particularly relevant nowadays since many companies are already resuming production while slowly recovering from the coronavirus pandemic. Risk factors may differ from one workplace to another, but some rules are universal to all workplaces.
In case there are any accidents, no matter how minor, remember always to tell your supervisor. You should be guided through the necessary steps to take, whether it’s attending to injuries or resolving the cause. If you suffered injuries due to the company’s unsafe working environment and carelessness, hire a personal injury lawyer to know how to strengthen your case. Top law firm Schmidt and Clark say it best on its website: employees are entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit if caused by the company’s negligence. So invest in workplace safety to avoid such legal troubles later on. You can also report unsafe conditions that might just potentially result in an accident.
Workplace attire and personal protective equipment vary depending on the nature of work or industry. You as an employee should always adhere to the required outfit and gear – from wearing steel-toed boots and hard hats in a construction site to wearing coats, pants, and closed shoes in a laboratory setting. Generally, it is advisable to keep your arms and legs covered for a secure layer of protection. You should also be wary of wearing dangling accessories if they cannot be completely avoided.
According to the National Floor Safety Institute, one of the most frequent workplace accidents is slipping and falling. They can result from slippery and wet floor areas, which are easily avoidable. Mop floors until they are dry and immediately attend to potential sources of spills or leaks. If wet floors cannot be avoided, use the appropriate readable signage. Another related risk is blocked walkways. Poorly positioned furniture and clutter can cause tripping or hitting of a body part. Clearances should also be kept passable in case of an emergency where employees should exit the building,
It might sound trivial to do, but you should always maintain a proper posture. Back pain is a common workplace experience especially for employees seated for a long time. Other inconveniences that might arise from improper posture are neck pain and even carpal tunnel. It also applies to movement, like bending and carrying objects. For instance, there is a risk of back injury if you anchor the weight on your back and not on your legs. It is also advisable to do exercises weekly to improve your posture and safeguard your spine from injury.
Another obvious but relevant practice is taking regular breaks. Not only are these meant to energize you back into productivity, but exhausted employees are more prone to accidents. You become less vigilant of your immediate environment as you grow more tired. So make sure to keep yourself well-rested and do more taxing responsibilities when you’re at your most alert state.
