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Tips for Safety in the Workplace

Jun 14, 2011 | By Miriam McCauley
Tips for Safety in the Workplace
Photo Credit construction worker in uniform at work image by dinostock from Fotolia.com

Whether you're a banker or a busboy, risks in the workplace can threaten your health and your livelihood. According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for private industry, 3.9 percent of full-time workers had a job-related injury or illness in 2008, and 4,670 people died because of work-related incidents. Safeguard your time at work by knowing the pitfalls of your occupation and taking steps to avoid them.

Learn the Risks

Certain hazards are associated with certain jobs. Cooking in a fast-food restaurant poses risks of burns and falls. Lifting injuries and infection threaten health care workers. Even sitting at a desk all day can cause injury to muscles, tendons and ligaments. Learn the factors associated with your work that call for safeguards.

Wherever you work, learn the locations of fire extinguishers and exits from the building. Pay attention to warning labels and signs that are posted to indicate potential danger. When you start a new job, pay attention to factors that could threaten your health and safety. In a lab, for example, learn how to vent chemical fumes and where to flush your eyes or skin in case of a spill.

Train for Safety

Training for any job typically includes safety measures. Your employee handbook may spell out security measures, industry-specific safeguards and emergency responses. Make sure you learn the proper use of equipment, along with postures and procedures to prevent injuries. Find out where to go if you need first aid, and don't be afraid to ask if you're unsure about potentially risky situations. Even when you've been on the job for a while, attend retraining sessions to stay abreast of safety updates in your workplace.

Dress the Part

What you wear on the job can play a key role in safety. For example, if you're a chef, long-sleeved cotton shirts and pants plus sturdy footwear---no open toes or canvas---help prevent burns. If you lift cargo, a protective brace may help ward off back injuries. If you're a health care worker, follow your employer's guidelines for wearing disposable gloves, gowns, and caps to avoid getting an infection and to prevent disease spread among your patients. And if your work poses threats to your vision or hearing, always wear goggles and earplugs for protection.

Positioning Counts

Whether your job is sedentary or physically demanding, repeated movements can cause strain unless you adapt your work equipment and how you use it. If you work on a computer, adjust your chair height so your feet are on the floor and your knees and hips are level. Have the top of the monitor screen at or slightly below eye level. Type so your wrists aren't above or below the keyboard, and consider resting them on a wrist pad during pauses. Walk around every 20 to 30 minutes to relax and stretch your muscles, according to Mayo Clinic recommendations.

If your job entails lifting, keep your belly and back muscles tight and don't twist your body as you lift. Squat, hold objects close to you, and use your leg muscles to raise yourself and the objects.

Stay Secure

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, 2 million American workers are victims of violence each year. Handling money, making deliveries, working with the public, nighttime shifts and working in isolation are just some of the factors that increase the risk of attack. Know and follow your employer's recommended safety measures. Get training in how to avoid threatening situations and how to respond if you're in one. Trust your instincts if you're confronted with a situation that feels unsafe. Other safeguards include having a cell phone handy, working with a buddy and avoiding unfamiliar circumstances as much as possible.

References

Article reviewed by demand32474 Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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