#Collaborative post
According to the law, employers must adhere to both federal and provincial health and safety regulations. However, these guidelines and safety measures are only practical if the employees know them and are invested in following them. A successful safety program involves both employees and employers through communication and prompt action. Keeping yourself safe at work through the following ways is essential as it prevents injuries, health bills, and loss of workdays.
Avoid taking shortcuts during procedures
Procedures at work are put in place to protect you, especially when it involves heavy machinery. Follow instructions carefully and to the letter when using tools and machines to prevent potential accidents. Shortcuts may save time, but it’s not worth risking your health and that of others. Also, ensure you use the right tools correctly and for the right jobs.
Attend training
After years of being in the workforce, you might be tempted to skimp out on training sessions. However, training is critical; even though you’ve attended many sessions, it still helps to refresh your memory. If you’re new in an organization, attending training brings you up to speed with organizational processes to keep you safe. These can include first aid sessions, training on operating particular tools and machines, and what to do if you identify a safety hazard.
Get insurance coverage
Many workplaces offer workers’ compensation for employees if they incur injuries while at work. However, it’s still essential to have insurance coverage such as tradesman insurance, especially if you’re a freelancer. Similarly, insurance cover protects you from public liability, for example, if you get into an accident through your fault. In case of an injury or illness, insurance coverage can protect you from job loss and pay your hospital bills until you’re fully recovered to get back to work.
Know your surroundings
Hazards can occur when you least expect them, whether it’s tripping over office items, getting hit by heavy machinery, or slipping and falling over wet floors. Instead of ignoring potential hazards, keep a register where every team member indicates areas of danger so that they can be communicated and acted upon. Familiarize yourself with tasks and surroundings in the workplace to keep you alert of any potential danger.
Take breaks
One of the guidelines by OSHA is taking regular breaks, mainly if you perform activities that require a lot of energy and focus, like driving long hours. When you’re tired, you are more prone to accidents because you become slow to act. You also become less aware of your surroundings when tired, increasing the risks of injury. Schedule activities that need a lot of energy at the start of your shift when you’re alert and take routine breaks to refresh yourself and replenish your energy reserves.
Safety in the workplace is your responsibility, just as it’s the employer’s responsibility. Guidelines and safety programs are put in place to protect you; ensure you know them. Stay alert by taking regular breaks to avoid accidents and keep an eye out for areas that pose a potential danger. Be safe when driving a van, especially for long hours and get insurance coverage to keep yourself safe.
If there has been a change in the workplace then you need to alert someone who can take action. This may be because there is a leak of water, perhaps gas, or maybe there is something loose hanging from the ceiling. If worst comes to worst, then you always have Solicitors who can protect you from your employer if you are ever hurt by negligence. This is something we see time and time again, employers not listening to the warnings of junior employees.