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It’s an unfortunate truth that safety in the workplace can be easily ignored when employees become lazy or they want to get the job done quickly. The reality is that they face new dangers and complications every day, putting them at risk of getting injured or events resolving in death. To manage this, it’s important for the employer to promote a company’s value of safety.
Let’s look at a few tips no manager or business owner should ignore.
Posture and Lifting
Many workers will lift items without thinking about proper posture. When lifting something too heavy it may lead to spinal, wrist or shoulder injuries, causing muscle strains or tears. Heavy lifting equipment is necessary to avoid these types of injuries. It’s also important to educate workers about lifting and handling items correctly.
First Aid Level 1
It will be handy to have a worker with First Aid Level 1 knowledge. Investing in this training will be beneficial to the workplace. It can reduce accidents and your company will be a safer place to work. If an accident does occur the employee can assist with minor injuries and problems such as:
- Cuts
- Scrapes
- Grazes
- Burns
- Different kinds of eye injuries
- Fractures, strains and sprains
- Choking
- Excessive bleeding
- If someone is unconscious
The new challenge is Covid-19. Safety in a workplace has always been important but now you have to be extra cautious, maintain social distancing and sanitise the workplace as well as workers. Make sure you’re aware of workplace coronavirus guideline information to help educate yourself and employees.
Wear Protective Equipment
Why is PPE important? It does not only protect you in the event of something going wrong. There are everyday scenarios that require the proper protective wear, such as hot surfaces or dust. Make sure your workers have the knowledge of how to use PPE kits correctly. These include:
- Masks
- Face shields
- Respirators
- Goggles
- Glasses
- Head covers
- Eye protection
- Shoe covers
- Gowns
- Gloves
It’s Better to Be Sober
Consuming alcohol or drugs before or during the time of work is a huge safety risk. It reduces your ability to focus and function properly in situations like emergencies. With these substances in your system, you don’t have the ability to perform optimally and the consequences could be dire.
The best way to prevent substance abuse from influencing your workflow is doing breathalyser tests on your employees before they start working each day. Those few minutes can prevent extreme problems later in the day.
Maintain Tools and Equipment
Maintenance is important when it comes to worker safety. Tools and equipment must be in a usable condition and most importantly safe. Also, maintaining tools and equipment keeps production going and saves money, so it’s vital for various outcomes in your business. As a bonus, workers feel more comfortable in the work environment when they know they’re working with well serviced tools and equipment. This reduces stress and will boost productivity, so everybody wins!
Final Thoughts
Work will never get done properly if your employees work in unsafe conditions and situations. Take the time to do the right thing. Life is important; protect it.
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