28 Apr The Basics of Workplace Safety

The Basics of Workplace Safety

Years of incident investigations have shown that workplace injuries rarely result from a single cause. Unsafe conditions, equipment hazards, inadequate planning, and human actions can all contribute to an incident. While employers are responsible for providing a safe workplace, every employee also plays an important role by recognizing hazards, following established procedures, and making safe decisions.

The following basic safety rules apply to nearly every workplace and are worth reviewing regularly.

Guide for Discussion

1. Stay Alert

Pay attention to your work and surroundings. Distractions, fatigue, rushing, and complacency can increase the likelihood of an incident.

• Understand the task before beginning.
• Know the hazards and required precautions.
• If you are unsure how to perform a task safely, stop and ask your supervisor.
• Never guess when safety is involved.

2. Wear the Right Clothing and PPE

Wear clothing appropriate for the work being performed.

• Avoid loose clothing, jewelry, or other items that could become caught in machinery or equipment.
• Secure long hair when an entanglement hazard exists.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Inspect PPE before use and replace damaged or defective equipment.

3. Use the Right Tool

Always select the proper tool for the job.

• Do not substitute pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, or other tools for purposes for which they were not designed.
• Inspect tools before use.
• Do not use damaged or defective tools.
• Use tools according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Never remove or defeat guards or safety devices.

4. Lift and Handle Materials Safely

Before lifting, consider the weight, size, shape, and path of travel.

• Keep the load close to your body.
• Avoid twisting while lifting or carrying.
• Maintain stable footing.
• Use mechanical lifting equipment whenever practical.
• Get assistance with loads that are heavy, bulky, awkward, or beyond your ability to handle safely.

Trying to prove how much you can lift is never worth an injury.

5. Avoid Horseplay

Horseplay, practical jokes, running, and distracting others have no place in the work environment. What seems harmless can become extremely dangerous around vehicles, machinery, tools, chemicals, electrical equipment, or elevated work areas.

6. Maintain Good Housekeeping

A clean workplace is generally a safer workplace.

• Keep aisles, stairs, and walking surfaces clear.
• Clean up spills promptly.
• Properly store tools and materials after use.
• Remove scrap and debris regularly.
• Keep emergency equipment, electrical panels, and exits accessible.

Do not walk past a hazard assuming someone else will correct it.

7. Report Hazards and Incidents

Immediately report:

• Injuries and illnesses
• Near misses
• Unsafe conditions
• Damaged or defective equipment
• Chemical spills or releases
• Unsafe work practices

Reporting hazards and near misses allows corrective action to be taken before someone is seriously injured.

8. Obtain Prompt First Aid or Medical Attention

Report every work-related injury or illness according to company procedures, even when it initially appears minor.

Prompt evaluation and treatment can prevent an injury from becoming more serious. Employees should not attempt to diagnose or treat significant injuries themselves.

9. Participate in the Safety Program

Safety is most effective when everyone participates.

• Follow established safety rules and procedures.
• Participate in toolbox talks, training, inspections, and job hazard assessments.
• Ask questions when instructions are unclear.
• Suggest improvements when you identify a safer way to perform the work.
• Help coworkers recognize hazards without creating additional risk.

10. Never Take Unnecessary Chances

Shortcuts, rushing, and bypassing established procedures can turn routine work into a serious incident.

Before beginning a task, ask:

• Do I understand the job?
• What can hurt me or someone else?
• Do I have the proper tools and equipment?
• Is the required PPE available?
• Are energy sources controlled?
• Could I fall, be struck by something, become caught in or between equipment, or contact an electrical hazard?
• Has anything changed since the work was planned?
• Can the job be performed safely?

If the answer is uncertain, stop and resolve the hazard before proceeding.

Remember

Safe work requires more than simply being careful. It requires planning the work, recognizing hazards, using the proper equipment, following established procedures, communicating concerns, and stopping when conditions are unsafe.

No deadline or shortcut is worth an injury. If a job cannot be performed safely, it should not proceed until the hazard is corrected.