With workplaces being bombarded with information, safety precautions, and guidelines, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and not truly know what the basics of workplace safety are. Here are the top seven workplace safety tips, regardless of your industry.
A safer working environment requires everyone to be on board. Protect yourself, your workers, and your reputation. Contact the experts at ACUTE today to learn more about safe work practices for your entire team!
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The 7 Best Workplace Safety Tips
Why should I care about workplace safety you might ask? For a number of reasons: it’s regulated, it will cost all companies time and resources either for preventative measures or reactionary measures that impact their brand and their people and finally, it protects the team.
In Canada, specifically Ontario, this is crucial. Protecting the team means serving customers well because when companies take care of their team they take care of their customers. Learn more below!
This may sound basic, but being aware of your surroundings no matter what type of environment you are working in is crucial. This requires knowing the particular hazards of your job or workplace. Simply having an awareness of your surroundings can help you avoid and even prevent accidents.
Once you’ve learned your surroundings well, you are able to keep clear of potentially hazardous areas, and potentially hazardous situations. You are also then aware if anything within your surroundings change, such as a spill, leak, or hazard. Knowing this simple tip will help keep you and your team safe.
If you work at a desk, keep your shoulders in line with your hips to avoid back problems. Most people forget about and even disregard the importance of correct posture, but if you are working at a desk the damage that can be done because of poor posture is irreversible.
If you work in an environment where you’re picking things up or lifting heavy items, be sure to use correct form so your back doesn’t get hurt. Avoid stooping and twisting. If possible, always use ergonomic designed furniture and safety equipment so everything you need is within easy reach and keeping your shoulders and hips aligned.
If you see something that could potentially hurt someone, remove the object or clean the area if you can do so safely. Otherwise, inform your supervisor. If you notice any changes in your environment or work situation inform your supervisor right away.
Since your supervisor is legally obligated to keep you and your fellow employees’ working environment safe, they must take action. Often times, since supervisors are doing other tasks, they may not notice the same unsafe conditions you are aware of, that is why it is crucial that employees take action and inform supervisors.
Improper use of tools and machines can cause a number of problems. Using the wrong tool for a task, not knowing how to properly use a machine, or using heavy machinery and tools without the proper training can result in fatal accidents.
Before you use any type of machine or tool at work, make sure that you have received the proper procedure and safety training. This will keep not only you but also all of your colleagues, safe. If you don’t know how to use something or are not comfortable, don’t use it. Immediately inform your supervisor if this is an issue.
No matter what industry you work in, there are always different forms of workplace stress. Workplace stress can include long work hours, heavy workloads, conflict with coworkers, and/or improper or dangerous working conditions. Unfortunately, workplace stress is a common problem.
These types of issues can lead to distraction or rushing, which can cause accidents, unsafe conditions, and even affect your mental and physical health. If you are experiencing any of these issues, it is best to talk to your manager and take action before the stress causes further harm.
So many work-related injuries and illnesses occur because a worker is tired, burned out and not alert to their surroundings. No matter where you work, taking a regular break is crucial. Taking regular breaks helps you stay fresh on the job.
One trick to staying alert is to schedule the most difficult tasks when your concentration is best, like first thing in the morning. Figure out when your concentration is best and use that to your advantage. Never forget to take breaks, eat regularly, and keep yourself alert on the job, regardless of the industry you are in.
Make sure to remove any clutter blocking emergency exits, equipment shutoffs, and areas that you are working. Clutter can lead to not having the proper space to do things correctly, use tools properly, or lift items properly. It can also affect emergency exits.
If an exit is obstructed and an emergency situation occurs you may not be able to quickly escape. This is especially important in workplaces. Be sure all equipment is placed in a proper storage area and always know where your emergency exits are and be sure to keep them clear.
The 7 Best Workplace Safety Tips – An Infographic
Feel free to check out (and even share) our infographic that summarizes the top 7 tips listed above!
Stay Safe at Work With ACUTE!
Hands-on, practical training is the best way to keep employers and workers safe in the workplace! ACUTE is dedicated to workplace safety and understands the importance of course and training provider approval. Why get workplace safety training with ACUTE? Here are just some of the benefits of working with ACUTE.
- Open Door Instructor-Student Partnership – ACUTE’s training services emphasize client participation. Staff foster relationships with clients and serve as a touchstone for advice anytime moving forward.
- Serving Your Team and Industry – With a vast array of clients in manufacturing, construction, health, academic, and government sectors, ACUTE brings the best safety practices from across the spectrum to your workplace.
- 100 Years Combined Experience – ACUTE provides comprehensive health and safety training, on-site safety services, and consulting services. With over 100 years of combined experience, our company staff offer more than theoretical or abstract ideas. ACUTE offers solutions.
- Track Record of Success – ACUTE is rated 4.9/5 stars on Google reviews, demonstrating a commitment to our clients, quality, and passion for training.
“We have relied on ACUTE for years to train our staff and
keep them safe on the job site.”
– Bob, Millwrighting Company – Read More Testimonials Here!
Click here to see what training courses we have at ACUTE or contact us today for quality training in your workplace or on-site at ACUTE’s proven training facilities!
ACUTE is located in Waterloo, Ontario, and services customers from cities such as Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, Milton, Kitchener, London, Guelph, and others across Ontario.
