When you think of suffering an injury in the workplace, what comes to mind are the people who carry out manual jobs around heavy machinery. While this group is at elevated risk of injury, anyone at the workplace can suffer from injuries.
When an employee is injured, the loss is not only felt by the individual but by the company as well. The loss of productive working hours affects business, and the effect could trickle down to the customer. It is the responsibility of every employee to keep updated with new safety regulations and adhere to them without fail.
In this article, we discuss the safety precautions that you can practice to keep yourself and your fellow workers out of harm’s way. If you happen to be injured at work, you may want to talk to a personal injury lawyer to find out if you possibly have a claim.
Clean and declutter your workspace
Clean up any spills as soon as they happen, lest they lead to slipping accidents. Return the tools or equipment to the storage place as soon as you’re done with them. Letting them pile around can easily get someone hurt by falling objects. After every project, clean and clear up the working surface before you embark on the next one. Clean, clutter-free surfaces enhance your concentration on the task at hand, and ultimately improve productivity.
Report any hazards
Whenever you notice potential risks in the workplace, report to a supervisor right away. Don’t ignore it and expect one of your colleagues to say something. They may be bypassing the issue with similar reasoning. Report and follow up to see that the appropriate action has been taken. The company is mandated to provide a safe working environment, and you’re well within your rights to demand that much.
Wear appropriate PPE
Some of the protective personal equipment, majorly that worn around heavy machinery, can feel bulky and cumbersome. Employees sometimes opt to work without them, reasoning that they’ll work faster. Is suffering an injury any less cumbersome? Your health should be the first priority. Some of the PPE that can keep you from danger include:
- Respirator
- Gloves
- Hard hat
- Earmuffs
- Helmet
- Safety boots
- Googles
- Safety harness
Remember should you suffer personal injury when not wearing the PPE which was duly provided, the company can claim negligence on your part and fail to compensate.
Use machines correctly
Every new employee should be trained in the proper care of machines. If you don’t know how to use a machine, then don’t touch it. On the other hand, don’t strain yourself when there’s a machine available to make the work easier. The machines should be cleaned and serviced regularly so they can work as they should. On the same note, you should remain aware of your surroundings in the workplace. Know where the potentially dangerous machines are located so you can trend with caution.
Take necessary breaks
Fatigue increases the chances of injury. When you’re tired you cannot concentrate on the task at hand, and working in such a distracted mode makes you vulnerable. The company should have appropriate schedules that allow breaks every so often. If not, take a break when you feel exhaustion setting in. Taking time to rest allows your body and mind to reboot, allowing you to work more efficiently.
In conclusion, the benefits of a safe working environment cannot be underestimated. For employees, such a workspace improves their morale and minimizes employee turnover. The resultant stability boosts the performance and the company and maximizes profits. Personal injury suits can also be very expensive for the organization. It is in the best interest of the company that all employees observe safety precautions. Ultimately, everyone stands to gain from these measures.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
