Workplace Safety Tips

Construction worker wearing safety equiptment

Following workplace safety tips helps reduce your chances of becoming one of the millions of workers who are injured on the job.

Workplace Safety

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than four million workers in the United States suffered a workplace injury in 2009. Of those injured, 25 percent needed time off from their job to recuperate. That same year approximately 6,000 more workers died as a result of injuries sustained on the job.

Regardless of your type of business or place of employment, you run the risk of sustaining a personal injury in a workplace accident. Many of the types of workplace accidents and injuries that occur are more common to specific types of jobs, workplace environments and industries. However, there are many general workplace safety tips that can help you stay safe and injury free.

General Workplace Safety Tips

  • Every fire exit and stairway door needs to be clearly marked, and every worker should be aware of where they are located. Access to these areas should never be blocked or full of clutter.
  • There should always be a full fire extinguisher in a designated location. Everyone in the workplace should be aware of its location and trained in its proper use.
  • A fully-stocked First Aid kit should always be in its designated place. All workers need to be aware of its location.
  • All passageways, hallways and any other areas where people walk should be free from any type of clutter, debris or tripping hazards, such as extension cords or electrical wires.
  • Every spill, regardless of what it is, should be cleaned up immediately.
  • All machinery should be well maintained and kept in good working order.
  • Having practice fire drills could save lives in case of an actual fire, or other type of emergency where the building needed to be evacuated quickly. If a fire or other type of emergency situation occurs in the workplace, remaining calm is the best way to help yourself and others.
  • Never overload an electrical outlets or electrical circuits.
  • Periodically check all of the electrical cords in your area. If you find one that is frayed or broken, replace it right away.
  • Learn the proper technique to use when you are lifting a heavy object.
  • Do not try to put heavy objects on shelves that are over your head by reaching or stretching. Use a ladder instead.
  • Always wear the proper clothing and safety gear for your specific job, such as high visibility clothing, safety harnesses or protective eyewear.
  • Wear the right shoes or boots for your type of job.
  • Never wear jewelry or loose-fitting clothing if you operate any type of machinery
  • Workplace safety slogans and safety posters placed where they are easily seen by workers are a great way to reinforce the rules of work safety. Many workers tend to remember funny safety slogans that pertain to their specific safety issues.

OSHA and Workplace Safety

The Occupational Safety and Health Act and the agency of the federal government that enforces the law, commonly known as OSHA, is responsible for making sure that all businesses provide a safe workplace for their employees. They ensure that the employers are in compliance with the safety regulations and codes for their specific industry, conduct workplace inspections and enforce penalties if there are violations. OSHA also publishes safety standards for various types of businesses and industries.

Stay Safe at Work

Do not become one of the many workplace injury statistics. By being aware of workplace safety tips and following them, you are less likely to be involved in a workplace accident or sustain a work-related injury. To reduce the overall number of accidents and injuries at work, safety needs to be a top priority for everyone in the workplace.