How Employees Can Keep Themselves Safe in the Workplace

[This article was written by Rachelle Wilber.]

Although you spend a good part of each day at your job site or office, you may be surprised to learn how unsafe it can be. Trips and falls, head injuries, sprains and injuries from machinery can be common if you do not take appropriate precautions. Check out these five great ways that you can keep yourself and your coworkers safe in the workplace.

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Many workplace accidents occur simply because individuals are not aware of what is going on around them. They may have worked there so long that they do not notice that something is out of place. This can lead to plenty of trips and falls that can land you or your coworkers in the emergency room. While some policies may seem pointless, nearly every workplace policy has been put into place for a specific reason. Many of them are designed to keep you and your coworkers safe.

Check into Workers’ Compensation Policies

Always follow policies for lifting heavy items and for using power tools and electronics. When you choose to take a shortcut, you may be risking your health or even your life. If needed, you can always speak with a workers’ compensation attorney for questions. While every state has different laws regarding workers’ compensation based on number of employees and type of business, most businesses are required to carry this insurance that provides compensation for hours that are missed due to an injury on the job.

Be Careful How You Sit

This should also include compensation for medical costs related to the injury. While most major injuries occur when you are moving, walking or using machinery, you can certainly injure yourself even when you are just sitting at your desk. Always practice proper posture and body mechanics. Sit straight and tall with your feet on the floor and your elbows at 90-degree angles for typing.

Report Unsafe Conditions

Keep your computer at the right height for your eyes, and adjust your chair for the most comfort. Your manager may not know about some of the unsafe conditions that you see every day in your workplace. By reporting them, you can help to affect real change. Your manager or employer is required by law to provide you with a safe place to work.

Workplace safety should be an important point for you and all of your coworkers as well as the entire management team. Employers must provide their employees with safe workplaces or risk seeing hefty fines and even closure. By practicing safe habits yourself and educating your coworkers on easy safety measures, you can make your workplace a safer and friendlier place to be.

Author Bio:

Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009221637700