General Workplace Safety Tips
Be it a hazardous occupation or a comparatively safe environment
like an office, workplace safety is important everywhere. Workplace
safety is the right of every employee, and the obligation of every
employer towards his/her workers. Every country requires an organization
to adhere to certain safety norms before it sets up a workplace.
We all are aware of safety threats that may arise due to malfunctioning
of machinery and appliances. However, what raises greater
concern are threats that come from colleagues. This threat comes in
the form of physical harm, bullying, sexual exploitation or coercion. The
following are a few workplace safety tips that could help make the
work environment a safer one.
General Workplace Safety Tips
The workplace should be kept clean of any clutter. Appropriate
places should be assigned for storing or keeping objects. Not only will
this prevent unwanted accidents, but it will also increase the productivity
of employees. Employees should also be encouraged to keep their
workstations clean.
Having a strong maintenance program for all machinery in the workplace
is one of the most important workplace safety tips. Management
should keep a sharp eye out for any machinery that has undergone
wear and tear. Such machinery should be repaired or replaced immediately.
Damage to machinery due to use should never be overlooked.
Electrical Safety Tips
Electrical appliances can cause serious accidents. Consider the following
safety tips at your workplace (and at home) to avoid accidents
caused by electricity:
• Install all appliances as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. Avoid
overloading electrical circuits as that may cause serious accidents.
• Clearly mark each fuse or electrical circuit breaker with the name of
the electrical appliance served by the fuse.
• When extension cords are being used, ensure that they are three-wire
type with three prong plugs. Use non-conductive plugs. Make sure
that the wire sizes of the extension cords are appropriate to be able to
bear the electrical load. Extension wires should be used only temporarily.
Permanent installations should not be compromised with
extension wires.
• Ensure that all electrical appliances are properly grounded.
• Always get certified electricians to repair or lay down electrical wires
or installations.
• Any damage in electrical wall outlets should be reported and repaired
immediately.
Fire Safety
Fire is used in a number of workplaces, especially in industries where
it is invariably used in one or more production processes. Accidents due
to fire can occur even in the apparently safe premises of an office. Coach
employees to adhere to the following fire safety tips for a workplace:
• Install fire alarms at appropriate places throughout the workplace;
• Fire extinguishers should be installed within the reach of the
employees;
• Every employee should be aware of the location of the fire
extinguishers and know how to use them;
• Hold fire drills periodically. Have fire safety
experts supervise the drill.
FSM
Source: OSHA Voluntary Protection Program Safety News and Information
website, http://www.safe-workplace.com/safety-blog/.
