Almost one-third of your life is dedicated to working. Regardless of your job, your workplace should be a safe and conducive place to perform your roles and responsibilities efficiently. But, what can you do if you spend most of your productive hours in an unsafe place?
A Look At Real-Life Workplace Safety
Injuries and illnesses are highly relevant in all kinds of workplaces. In fact, the International Labor Organization estimates that over 2.7 million work-related accidents and diseases occur annually.
As an employee, it’s crucial to recognize your right to operate in a safe and injury-free workplace. If you experience injuries or accidents in your place of work, and it’s possible that your employer is liable, hiring an experienced law firm like www.sadakafirm.com can offer peace of mind during your recovery.
To ensure that your safety is always maintained, here are four essential tips to keep yourself safe at work:
Recognize Your Profession’s Risks
Before applying for any job, it’s always a good idea to gather as many details about the position, company, location, and workplace environment as possible. By accurately identifying the risks associated with your job, you can take the necessary actions to reduce the likelihood of them happening.
If you have a clear picture of your profession from back in your academic journey, you’re probably aware of potential risks. For example, if you’ve always wanted to work in a chemical processing plant, you likely know the job’s associated risks, including exposure to hazardous materials.
Being knowledgeable before taking any steps into your career is fundamental to workplace safety.
Follow Safety Protocols At All Times
Companies implement safety guidelines and protocols that every worker should follow. Prevention is always better than cure; for this reason, make sure to prioritize your safety by complying with workplace safety guidelines.
During workplace accidents, there are usually at least two sides to the story. Is it the employer’s shortcoming to provide a safe workplace, or it’s the employee’s fault for disregarding the safety rules?
Some employees neglect safety guidelines for different reasons, but if you know that you’ve done your part to avoid an accident, or it’s not your fault for any other reason, your employer should be held liable.
Know The Workplace Inside-Out
Knowledge is power when it comes to workplace safety. Companies conduct regular risk assessments to identify hazards and eliminate them systematically. Employing safety features in the building is one of the most important steps.
Learning about safety equipment and procedures is a priority as an employee. Whether you’re a new or established team member, it’s crucial to be aware of every safety feature a modern workplace has, including:
- Fire evacuation plan
- Emergency exits
- Smoke curtains
- First-aid kits
- Dry and wet risers
- Ventilation systems
Don’t merely be aware of their location, but know how to use them properly. Small details can be indicative of how prepared your company actually is for emergencies.
Work On Things Under Your Control
While most accidents are unanticipated, there’s always a possibility that they can happen. For example, you’re more likely to meet danger at work if you’re not feeling well from staying up late at night. You could therefore focus on improving your sleep routine to keep yourself safe inside and outside of work.
More generally, staying healthy and fit is an excellent way to protect yourself from unnecessary harm, and these efforts will affect your overall well-being in the long run.
Here are some simple health tips that most employees forget:
- Take regular breaks from sitting down by moving around – even a walk around the office helps.
- Sit up straight—no excuses!
- Don’t forget to drink water.
- Never skip your lunch.
- Find a way to add exercise into your weekly schedule.
- Cook healthy meals at home.
Conclusion
Employee safety should be the number one priority for any company. While your employer has a massive role in keeping you safe within its premises, there are many factors and circumstances that you and your employer don’t have full control over. To minimize accidents at work as much as possible, take note of these tips in staying safe while being your usual, productive self.
