How To Stay Safe at Work

People get hurt at work every day. All work environments, whether office, retail, industrial or any other, can be dangerous. Unfortunately, the results count for those paying the wages, so companies sometimes cut corners on safety. As a result, the government designs safety regulations to ensure employers provide a certain degree of worker safety.

While the government and your employer are doing everything they can to keep you safe, the ultimate responsibility for your safety on the job rests with you.

Safety Habits and Mindset

Injuries can happen on the job for a variety of reasons. It is up to you to assess the threat landscape and make intelligent decisions to keep yourself safe. Every task you do at work, from opening a filing cabinet drawer to operating an industrial mixer, contains inherent risk. Therefore, you have to be aware of your surroundings at all times to avoid injury.

Shadow the old-timers on the job and ask them what safety hazards are around that you need to know. Also, make it a point to read all company safety literature and observe safety videos. The information you learn could save your life.

Using Tools and Machinery

Make sure you know how to use all the tools and machinery you are required to operate. Don’t be afraid to tell a foreman or supervisor if you don’t know how to do something. Also, ask plenty of questions about safety any time someone is training you on using the equipment.

Get in the habit of learning everything you can about any equipment you operate. And whether it’s a computer or a bulldozer, you will find out the hazards and learn to avoid them.

Your Limits at Work

To stay safe at work, you have to understand your limitations. Stress, fatigue and trying to rush through jobs contribute to many accidents on the job. Don’t agree to work overtime if you are so tired you have trouble concentrating on your work. Try to get plenty of rest before work to avoid situations where you have to turn down extra work.

If you find yourself in a situation where you don’t feel safe, speak up and let a supervisor know about it. Management understands the consequences they face if they have an unsafe environment for their workers. So more often than not, you will find them willing and even eager to hear about any safety problems you notice at work.