As the boss, you take employee safety very seriously. The last thing you want is for someone to get hurt on your watch, so you want to do everything possible to protect your team.
Of course, you can’t do this all on your own. You need employees to take responsibility for their safety — and that of their peers. Here are a few guidelines to share with them to stay safe on the job.
7 Workplace Safety Tips to Your Team Must Follow
Don’t Take Shortcuts
When completing a task — especially a complex one — it can be tempting to take the easy way out. However, proper protocols are put in place for a reason, so skipping steps can cause accidents.
Take Breaks Often
The most dedicated employees come to work each day with lofty goals. This can cause them to skip much-needed breaks that allow them to relax and recharge. Taking time to rest is always important, especially when working a double shift or in extreme heat.
Wearing PPE is a Must
When necessary, OSHA standards require employers to provide personal protective equipment to keep employees safe from job-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. This might include hard hats, gloves, goggles, fall protection equipment, safety shoes, or face shields. Some employees might find PPE unnecessary or inconvenient to wear, but they need to know it’s not optional.
Always Follow OSHA Standards
OSHA puts safety standards in place for a reason. More than just good rules to follow, employers are required to comply with applicable standards — meaning employees must do the same. Failing to follow the rules puts themselves and their co-workers at risk, as well as putting the company in danger of receiving an OSHA violation.
Practice Proper Ergonomic Standards
Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most commonly reported causes of loss of work time, according to OSHA. These injuries can be prevented with training and adherence to proper ergonomic techniques — i.e., lifting heavy items the correct way. Changing the way one performs repetitive tasks might feel awkward at first, but it can allow employees to avoid potentially life-long injuries.
Unsafe Conditions Must Be Reported Immediately
As the boss, you can’t be everywhere all the time. Therefore, you need employees to act as your eyes and ears and speak up when something isn’t right. Even if they’re only unsure if a situation is unsafe, they must understand the importance of reporting it, as this could prevent an accident.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
When employees do the same job each day, it can become monotonous. This can cause them to become a bit too comfortable in their surroundings, which can lead to accidents. For example, if they cross a warehouse floor without looking both ways, they could collide with a forklift. Emphasize the importance of always surveying the scene before acting, because things change quickly in a fast-paced environment.
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