Accidents at the workplace don’t just happen. They are a result of several ignored events that pose serious risks to the workers. While we may be unable to prevent all accidents from happening around us, we can control the amount of damage they cause. Workplaces are surrounded by potential hazards. Some jobs have higher possibilities of accidents than others. Whatever the case, work safety should be taken seriously.
Different Jobs have Different Hazards.
There are jobs where workers are more likely to get into accidents. A job like construction is full of potential accidents waiting to happen. Sometimes, it is not the job that poses a threat, but the workers. Workers such as teen workers are likely to get into accidents even when the job is relatively safe. Employers need to understand what kind of employees they are working with.
People working with chemicals in laboratories and radioactive materials are at a greater risk. Safety measures should be put to keep everyone safe at work.
Benefits of keeping your Workers safe
The first and obvious benefit is that you get to have your employees at all time. If they are safe, then they will show up at work daily. Sick days are minimized due to fewer cases of injuries or sickness. With a healthy workforce, productivity will be enhanced.
Saves you money: It saves you the cost that comes with injury law. Workers will not file lawsuits and claim compensations if they are safe. You are on the safe side of the law when you keep your employees safe.
Protective Gear to use
Based on the type of job you are doing and the hazards it poses, you should gear up appropriately. Here is how:
o For jobs hazardous to the eyes, wear goggles
o To protect your hands, wear gloves.
o Have a respiratory mask if whatever you are working with has dangerous fumes.
o Wear shoes that are appropriate to your job environment.
o Have your helmet on especially if you are a construction worker.
o Wear protective clothes if your job demands it.
o Use a back brace when lifting heavy objects. This protects you back and prevents back pains.
Safety Tips while working with Machinery
- Never operate a machine under the influence of alcohol or any other drugs that can impair your judgment.
- Always use equipment that you have knowledge about. If you don’t know how to use something, don’t pick it up.
- Organize your tools at all times. This avoids accidents when you come into contact with some equipment that can injure you.
- When you are done using a machine, don’t leave it on without supervision.
- Communicate with other workers to ensure everybody knows what everyone is doing and where to avoid accidents e.g. from falling objects.
- Dress appropriately while working with specific machines.
- Be attentive and pay attention. If you hear something going wrong, all machines should be turned off to save someone or something
- Read and follow instructions at all times.
What to do in case an Accident occurs
The first thing is to understand that an accident can happen. The way you respond is what determines the amount of damage that an accident causes.
It is always good to have a plan. Educate worker on how to respond to accidents. In the case of a fire, tell your employees what to do. Have emergency exit routes and assembly points. Fire extinguishers should be installed in every place workers are.
Carry out drills on accident responsiveness: This keeps your workers alert and educated on what to do. It is a good practice because it feels like a real life situation. Having a good plan is not enough. Exercising your accident response plan is key to making sure that everyone will follow it if the event occurs.
Finally, employers should take care of their workers. Many times when accidents happen at work, employers betray their employees and blame them for the accident. Some companies treat workers as machines and not humans. If you don’t protect your workers, then you might have to face the law.