December 29, 2022
10 Rules for Workplace Safety
Written by: Catherine Tims
Safety-related incidents can a ect overall productivity, quality of work, and
employee morale. In many cases, workplace accidents are preventable. Here are 10
rules for workplace safety that you can start implementing today.
1. Preventing workplace incidents is everyone’s job, and your
personal safety is your responsibility.
Everyone has a role in making sure a workplace is safe, from the administrative
assistant who gets the boxes of newly delivered o ce supplies unpacked promptly
to the warehouse foreman who makes sure every person on the line gets a break.
When you take charge of your own safety, it creates a safer place for all employees.
2. Dress appropriately, from clothing to footwear.
Keeping arms and legs covered, avoiding dangling jewelry or ties, and wearing
closed-toe shoes can go a long way in minimizing common workplace injuries and
accidents. When and where applicable, always wear
personal protective equipment (PPE), and inspect it for damage before and after
use, so that it can be repaired or replaced promptly.
3. Keep work areas neat and tidy.
At the beginning and end of each shift, clear away trash, pick up cords and cables,
and put o ce supplies away. Gather any materials you’ll need to complete your
work. This will avoid losing things as well as having to bend or stretch unnecessarily,
trying to reach objects that are misplaced or out of reach.
4. Follow the rules.
Don’t cut corners or take unnecessary risks. Workplace safety rules are often
developed in response to hazard and risk assessments. They are by nature
designed to minimize the chances that an employee will be injured while carrying
out assigned tasks.
5. Report workplace accidents or safety incidents.
Always report incidents to your supervisor promptly so that the appropriate steps
can be taken. These can include getting care for an injured employee, xing the
problem that caused the injury, or ensuring regulatory, state or federal reporting
compliance.
6. Know and follow emergency procedures.
In order to safely and e ectively manage emergencies, it’s imperative that all
employees are trained in and follow emergency procedures. This helps safety
coordinators and emergency services get a handle on a situation and determine the
best way to bring it under control.
7. Lift, bend, and stretch with care to avoid injury.
Musculoskeletal problems caused by poor technique when picking up boxes or
stretching to reach objects is a common cause of workplace injury. If you’re not sure
how to best lift, bend or stretch at work, ask your supervisor or company safety
o cer.
8. Don’t operate tools or machinery that you haven’t been
trained for.
While some tools or equipment may seem pretty intuitive, it’s always best to avoid
using items unless you’ve been trained in proper handling. This is for your safety as
well as the safety of those around you.
9. Avoid drugs and alcohol at work.
Not only can drugs and alcohol a ect your motor skills, they can also impair your
judgment and ability to communicate. Even prescription drugs can have a serious
e ect on your ability to handle machinery and tools safely.
10. Take breaks appropriately.
Being well-rested helps employees maintain the focus and situational
safety awareness that contribute to workplace safety. In some places, work breaks
may be established according to contract; in others, it’s on the employees to work
out breaks among themselves.
These 10 rules for workplace safety can be applied in nearly every workplace. In a
safe working environment, the quality and quantity of work can be maintained
without the sta ng issues caused by unexpected employee absences. When
employees and management work together to maximize safety, it bene ts everyone.
Tag(s): WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY , RISK MANAGEMENT , EHS MANAGEMENT ,
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT , MACHINERY , SAFETY MANAGEMENT , SAFETY CULTURE , PPE
Catherine Tims
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