08 Mar Look Out for Your Co-Workers – Co-Worker Safety

Look Out for Your Co-Workers – Co-Worker Safety

Co-worker safety means looking out not only for your own well-being, but also for the people working around you. Everyone on the job has a role in recognizing hazards, correcting unsafe conditions when possible, and speaking up when a coworker may be at risk.

A safe workplace depends on employees watching out for one another. If you see a hazard or unsafe practice, do not ignore it. Correct it when you can safely do so or report it to your supervisor.

Ways to Look Out for Your Co-Workers

• Offer assistance when a coworker is lifting or moving something that is too heavy or awkward to handle safely alone.
• Inspect slings and rigging before use and remove damaged equipment from service.
• Inspect ladders before use and make sure they are properly positioned and secured.
• Verify that required guardrails, midrails, toeboards, and other fall protection are in place before coworkers begin elevated work.
• Keep aisles, passageways, stairs, and work areas clear of materials, cords, debris, and other slip or trip hazards.
• Make sure chemical containers are properly labeled so coworkers know what they are handling and can take appropriate precautions.
• Report malfunctioning backup alarms and other safety devices on vehicles and heavy equipment.
• Use welding screens or shields to protect nearby workers from arc flash, sparks, and hot work hazards.
• Remove defective tools and equipment from service and report them so another employee does not unknowingly use them.
• Follow emergency procedures and know evacuation routes and designated assembly areas.
• Warn coworkers when you recognize a hazard they may not have noticed.

Speak Up for Safety

Looking out for coworkers also means being willing to say something when you see an unsafe act. A respectful warning may prevent an injury.

Likewise, if a coworker points out a hazard or unsafe practice to you, take the concern seriously. Safety observations should be viewed as an opportunity to correct a problem before someone gets hurt.

Never encourage a coworker to take a shortcut, bypass a safety device, work without required PPE, or ignore an established procedure just to save time.

Work as a Team

Good communication is especially important when employees are:

• Working around moving vehicles or heavy equipment.
• Lifting or handling materials together.
• Performing hoisting and rigging operations.
• Working at heights.
• Performing electrical or hot work.
• Entering hazardous or restricted areas.
• Performing tasks where one person’s actions can affect another worker’s safety.

Make sure everyone understands the task, hazards, responsibilities, and necessary precautions before work begins.

Remember

The goal is for everyone to finish the shift safely. Watch for hazards that could affect your coworkers, speak up when something is unsafe, and be willing to accept the same help from others.