Most people, if not all, take their careers seriously. In fact, many people make their workplace a significant part of their life. Though there are people whose workplace can be anywhere, it cannot be helped but to consider safety as a top priority. Safety is a subject that no one should disregard, regardless of where they work.
Various workplaces have different dangers present. For example, in a power plant or manufacturing industry, most people are operating in a safety-sensitive position. They cannot afford to make even the smallest mistakes and that makes something like a DOT Drug Test essential for every employee as a safety procedure for the company.
Beyond drug testing, there are several other safety tips that you could implement right now for your employees.
Basic Workplace Safety Tips
There are various positions involved in the global workforce and each involves a different workplace and different risks — but they also share common dangers. Even with different workplaces, every employee should not forget these five basic workplace safety tips.
- Environmental Awareness
You and your employees should be aware of your surroundings as there are various hazards that can affect the nature of everyone’s work. You can start by organizing your workplace and making sure that your workplace is clean and safe for everyone to move around. Always avoid a messy workplace that could hinder you or anyone else from moving around freely.
If you notice an area of the office, factory, or workspace that needs attention, you can report that to your supervisor or any higher ranking staff. Similarly, you should make your employees feel empowered to report these issues themselves. Be sure that all employees know who to contact when they spot an unsafe area.
When addressing these problems, you can suggest to put mats on slippery floors, use labels for hazardous materials, and display safety signs and maps of emergency exits. Never forget to maintain workplace mindfulness all the time.
- Ergonomic-Friendly Workplace
Many people disregard the fact that you can risk your health even with very little exposure to any hardware or machines. You should be aware that ergonomic hazards are a real thing and you should keep your workplace ergonomic-friendly. Make sure that everything that your employees need is within your reach to avoid any accidents.
You can start by bringing in office chairs that provide proper support and mobility for staff who spend most of their time at their desks. Arrange your all workstations so that objects aren’t at risk for falling as this will prevent worse problems. Most importantly, encourage everyone to maintain a good posture, keep the keyboard and mouse near them, and take breaks to avoid eye strain.
The best way to determine that you have an ergonomic-friendly workplace is your comfort, and that of your employees. It is vital that sitting and working comfortably is something all staff members experience.
- Regular Breaks
There are a lot of people experiencing workplace stress by not taking frequent breaks. Your employees need to take a break in between work hours in order to stay present, focused, and stress-free. Just think, when you continue to work when feeling tired, you tend to make a lot of mistakes and more hazards come into place. Make sure this isn’t something that employees experience.
Promote breaks that include healthy snacks and an ample amount of water. Keep yourself and your team hydrated and energized for work after the break is finished. You do not want to waste any minute of the workday by slowing down due to stress, hunger, or thirst. Investing in quality snacks, coffee machines, and an office water cooler provides more incentive and higher quality breaks.
- Regular Safety Meetings
Every company should conduct safety meetings at least once a month to remind every employee about the workplace hazards. Every employer should help employees to remember about ergonomic, electronic, electrical, mechanical, and other types of hazards. It’s not just employers who should be sharing information about these risks, but employees should remind their fellow co-workers as well.
It is important that you report every unsafe condition, and encourage your staff to do the same. This is to prevent complications during work hours and keep everybody in a safe and comfortable environment.
- Awareness of Emergency Procedures
Most unfortunate events are unexpected circumstances but there are some that can be prevented shortly before they happen. Since accidents are inevitable, it is best that everyone in the office knows the basic emergency procedures. Different companies have different emergency procedures and it is the company’s responsibility to let everyone know exactly what to do during a fire, blackout, tornado, etc..
Aside from knowing the procedures, you should also know how to use emergency tools. There are fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and first aid kits that can be found in the office and you and your employees should know how to utilize all of them. Consider implementing seminars that teach employees what to do when experiencing various workplace threats.
The Bottom Line
Your career is a serious part of your life and it should not be taken lightly when it comes to hazards. Many people do not notice the effects that these hazards can have on your business and how they may impact your employees. You should always do what you can to keep your surroundings safe and fun place to work.
It is important to encourage good performance during work, but never forget the importance of a few breaks. Never disregard unsafe conditions and situations that increase the hazards in your workplace. Engage with one another in your office and prioritize safety.
