It’s All about Common Sense: 10 Tips to Improve Workplace Safety

Every business has different rules and regulations, and every workplace comes with a different set of risks. However, there are safety rules that apply to every position in every industry. If you’d like to make your workplace a safer place, use these tips to keep you, your coworkers, and your employees out of hazardous situations.

1. Familiarize yourself with the particular hazards of your job.
Every job, even a desk job, has some risks associated with it. Make sure you know what those are so that you can watch out for them while you work. Even though typing isn’t as dangerous as operating heavy machinery, you can still develop conditions like carpal tunnel, which will keep you from working. Take steps to avoid these risks!

2. Talk about any concerns with your supervisor.
If anything looks needlessly risky, talk to your supervisor or HR representative. Either of them should be able to rectify the situation.

3. Know your rights as an employee.
You have the right to a safe working environment. If you want to know more information about your employee rights, contact your local union or government representative.

4. Tone down the stress.
Long hours, job insecurity, conflicts with coworkers, or a heavy workload can cause a lot of stress, and stress leads to problems with concentration, trouble sleeping, or even depression. You’re more likely to make a dangerous mistake if you’re stressed.

5. Take breaks every two hours.
Even if you’re not stressed, you’ll need to take breaks to stay alert throughout the work day. Do all of the hardest tasks at the beginning of the day when you have most of your energy, then take breaks to recharge every two hours after that.

6. Avoid activities that could strain you.
Activities that require you to stoop or twist may make you strain your arms, shoulders, or neck. Keep everything within easy reach, and ask for ergonomically-designed equipment and furniture if you don’t have it already.

7. Protect your back.
Although this point fits under “avoid activities that could strain you,” it needs to be addressed on its own. If you injure your back, you’ll be out of the workplace for a very long time. Back injuries are very serious. If you have to pick things up, don’t use your back to do it. Lift with your legs and keep the load close to your body.

8. Use the tools you’ve been given.
If you have equipment that’ll do the heavy lifting for you, use it. Don’t stick your hands into tight places, especially if you have tools. If you can use a tool to keep any part of your body out of harm’s way, then you should use it. Tools can be replaced. Fingers and limbs can’t, and your life certainly can’t be either.

9. Wear protective equipment.
When you have a particularly risky job, you need to wear the safety equipment. Hard hats, goggles, gloves, and earplugs can prevent an injury or even save your life. Make sure you wear them correctly for maximum protection.

10. Don’t work under the influence.
Alcohol and drugs impair your judgment, so you definitely shouldn’t ingest them before putting yourself in risky situations. Keep yourself as alert as possible by staying sober while you’re at work.

If you would like to learn more about keeping yourself safe at work, contact Nutech Safety. We’d be happy to answer your questions.