Steps to proactively prevent workplace injuries

You play a vital role in workplace safety and injury prevention!! Taking care of your health by staying properly hydrated and nourished, getting the proper amount of sleep, and exercise is so important to your overall safety and well being. Simple habit changes like walking 20 minutes a day and drinking 6 8-oz glasses of water a day can make a huge difference! In addition to the obvious benefits of keeping your health in check, another huge advantage at work is that you will be more alert on the job.

It is each worker’s responsibility to take an active role in maintaining safety!!

FOLLOW THESE BEST PRACTICES:

1. Shortcuts & Shortcomings – It’s natural to have a sense of urgency at work and want to help get the job finished on schedule or even ahead of time. However, with a “get it done quick” attitude, accidents happen. Do not take shortcuts at work. Stick to the instructions and work with diligence and awareness of your surroundings. If you need clarity – don’t begin the job without asking questions first. You should always be comfortable and familiar with the procedures before commencing work.

2. Safety in Transit – A majority of workplace accidents occur with workplace-driving. Make sure company vehicles are up to date on inspection and that before driving a vehicle you check break lights, turn signals, tire pressure and amount of gas in the tank. Take extreme caution when operating vehicles, follow safety protocols and be aware of your environment at all times.

3. Weather the Weather – Inside and outside work can expose you to extreme conditions. Whether very hot or very cold – both ends of the temperature spectrum can impact your health. In the cold dress in layers and make sure you properly cover your head, feet, hands and face — these parts of your body are most prone to frostbite. Always keep a change of clothes on hand in case you get frostbite. In the heat, wear loose-fitting clothes, take breaks in a cool rest area, and get plenty of fluids.

4. Make PPE a VIP – Personal Protective Equipment is crucial to prevent injury, so make sure you wear it…and wear it properly! This includes goggles, gloves, hard hats, safety shoes and ear plugs. These steps are the bare minimum you can do to ensure your safety at work and must not be disregarded!

5. Shipshape Safety – Many workers don’t realize the negative consequences of poor housekeeping. If an unkempt workplace becomes the norm – paper, debris, clutter and spills are accepted as “familiar” — then more serious health and safety hazards are overlooked and injuries become more probable. It’s important to keep work areas orderly, taking immediate care of slip-and-trip hazards and removing waste and fire hazards is imperative! Continually assess your work environment with a critical eye and report any dangers or deficiencies right away!!

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