Though we may wish each other good luck with fun idioms, nobody wants to literally break a leg at work. Injuries can be a miserable experience and can even leave you permanently disabled. As a responsible employee and a responsible human being, workplace safety should be a key priority! Taking measures to protect yourself and your fellow co-workers from potential hazards promotes a healthy and supportive work environment while avoiding unnecessary pain and difficulties. While no one can ever guarantee that there will never be an accident at their workplace, there are some steps you can take to lessen the risk. Some safety protocols are obvious, but you can reduce the risk of injury on the job in many sneaky ways. Here are just a few to try implementing in your own work life.
1. Maintain a Clutter-Free Workplace
Clutter is often overlooked, but cleaning up is crucial in reducing the risk of injury. Scattered tools, improperly stored materials, loose cords, boxes on the floor, and such pose tripping hazards and increase the likelihood of accidents. Even small things like an over-stocked coffee station can lead to burns. To whatever extent possible in your position, consider implementing an organizational system that emphasizes orderliness and cleanliness. Encourage your peers to tidy their areas, create simple storage solutions, and keep an eye out to identify potential hazards. Keep in mind that our environments are always changing! Always make sure you’re allowing yourself to see the big picture.
2. Perform Routine Sanitation
Of course, not all sources of harm are so easy to identify. Do you keep your area clean in a sanitary sense? After all, if we’ve learned anything over the past few years, it’s that sanitation is an essential protection against harmful viruses and bacteria. Regularly disinfect surfaces and, if possible, advocate for sick employees to stay home until their symptoms are gone. It would also be ideal to keep cleaning supplies such as disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, and paper towels well-stocked. Professional office cleaners are also a great resource for commercial sanitization services.
3. Call Out Structural Issues
Water leaks and drips may seem like minor inconveniences, but they can significantly impact workplace safety. Small leaks and drips waste up to 10,000 gallons of water annually, according to Comfy Living. You might have barely noticed the dripping in the corner of the office, but it could create an unhealthy environment for you and your co-workers. Notifying upper management to get it fixed decreases your risk of mold developing and, if you have electronics near the leak, reduces the risk of a fire.
4. Know When Outsourcing to Professionals Is Necessary
You probably have co-workers that lift heavy weights and run marathons, but that doesn’t mean you should rely on them to perform physical tasks. Whether you’re moving furniture around the office or changing locations, ask about hiring a team of experts instead. Professionals know how to move heavy equipment, furniture, and supplies safely. Also, since so much of the business world is about knowing the right people, finding an organization to help you move your business can help you make more connections, according to Business News Daily. If your company is interested in making connections, which it should be, it pays to reach out to local contractors.
5. Pay Close Attention in Training Sessions
Every employee should know what’s expected of them when it comes to maintaining a safe work environment. If you’re asked to attend online or in-person training, make sure to pay extra attention to safety protocols and take notes as necessary. If you have any questions about how to stay safe on the job, either when you begin or as an experienced team member, always be sure to ask them. Your team would almost certainly prefer to clear them up for you before an accident happens rather than after.
As you know, prioritizing workplace safety is crucial for maintaining your health, and a healthy work life as well. Extra attention to these details can help you avoid serious injury. Taking small and sneaky measures to keep your workplace safe will naturally incorporate employee well-being into the company culture, creating a healthy and productive work environment for more than just yourself. Lead your team to a safer environment with these simple tips!
