Nearly 4,700 U.S. workers were killed on the job in 2014, according to The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). The most common workplace health and safety hazards include transportation accidents, slipping and falling, electrocution, and toxic events. Avoid all of these life-threatening situations by following these four health and safety tips.
Follow the Protocol
The proper protocol should be established on your first day of work via verbal and written directions. If you ever have questions about staying safe while on the job, consult your manager or handbook because one unwarranted move could harm you or those around you. A recent survey showed worker attitudes were the biggest barrier when it came to implementing health and safety practices in the workplace, according to MySafetySign. Create a positive and secure office environment by supporting regular safety training in your business.
Be Prepared
You may never expect to have a severe mistake that occurs in your office, but you should be prepared for anything. Things like fire extinguishers and emergency escape plans are required in every office; to review more California regulations click here. You’ll never know how crucial this emergency equipment is until you’re frantically looking for it. To find out if your workplace is up to code explore this OSHA checklist.
See Something, Say Something
If a situation raises red flags, it is everyone’s responsibility to notify officials. The moment something looks dangerous a manager should be alerted of the urgent situation. If the problem persists, file a workplace safety complaint with Cal/OSHA and take pictures to keep track of how much time passes by. If you get fired or demoted after reporting a legitimate safety issue you are protected under the Whistleblower Protection Act.
Review Risks Before Taking Action
Whether you’re rushing to reach quota or doing daily tasks, always evaluate the situation before taking action. Pause and use an extra minute to review your equipment and make sure everything is working properly before you get started. If you ever feel an employer is pressuring you to quickly do something that you believe is dangerous, contact your union representative or a lawyer.
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