Safety Rules in the Workplace

From LoveToKnow Safety
The best safety rules in the workplace won't protect employees, managers, and visitors if they aren't being followed. New hires and younger workers are especially at risk of being injured in the workplace. Employers must make sure that these people are given the appropriate training to do their jobs safely.

Workplace injuries can happen in any place of employment, not just in manufacturing plants or construction sites. People working in office environments, retail locations, or restaurants also need to be aware of safety rules.

Common Types of Workplace Injuries

Here are a few ways in which employees can get injured while on the job:

  • Back strain caused by lifting
  • Slip and fall injuries
  • Being struck by a falling object
  • Being struck by a hand-held object

Training for New Employees

Each new employee should be given a tour of the workplace and safety hazards need to be pointed out. When the employee is given a task to do, the supervisor needs to ensure that the he or she knows how to perform the steps involved in completing it safely.

If the work being performed involves the use of special equipment, then the employee needs to be instructed on its use. Protective clothing on the job needs to be dealt with in the same way. A person who is new to the job but has experience in the industry still needs to demonstrate that they can follow safety rules in the workplace. Give all new hires the same safety training; this will help keep the work environment safe for everyone who works there.

Some employees, especially if they have experience working for other companies, may resist being given safety training when they are first hired. The training is not being offered as a way to "dumb down" experienced workers and should not be presented in that way. Instead, it's a way to make sure that everyone in the workplace is aware of the safety policies that apply to that location.

Safety Rules in the Workplace: Types of Training

There are a number of ways that employers can approach safety training for employees.

Classroom

This is the most formal approach to teaching safety rules in the workplace. Employees learn about safety policies in a specific setting and may be tested on their knowledge at the end of the program.

Toolbox Approach

This is the least formal form of safety training offered by employers. The new employee would be shown how to perform his or her duties by a supervisor or a more senior worker. The employee should be given the chance to demonstrate that they know how to perform their duties safely under supervision before being allowed to work independently.

Online

Some companies provide information about workplace safety to employees through online sources by way of videos or information posted on the company website or Intranet.

Examples of Safety Rules

The company will set its own rules about safety in the workplace, and here are some examples that you may see:

  • All accidents or injuries must immediately be reported to a supervisor. Even minor injuries must be dealt with in this manner, and First Aid will be provided.
  • When working near or operating machinery, don't wear jewelry or loose-fitting clothing. It may get caught in the mechanism, causing injury.
  • Make sure that aisles and walkways are kept clear at all times. The same rule applies to exits and fire doors.
  • Clean up any spilled liquids immediately, since a wet floor can cause slip-and-fall injuries.
  • Consuming or using alcohol or illegal drugs in the workplace is prohibited. Employees will not be allowed to work or to continue their shift if their ability to work is impaired.
  • Employees should report hazardous workplace conditions to a supervisor immediately.
  • No horseplay while on the job.
Retrieved from "http://safety.lovetoknow.com/Safety_Rules_in_the_Workplace"

 


Comment on Safety Rules in the Workplace



(Displayed with your comment)                        (Will not be displayed)
Verification Code:   
    

Safety Categories
LoveToKnow Tools
More Articles