Workplace Safety & Injury Prevention
Safety hazards can exist in any type of workplace, from offices to outdoor construction sites. Preventing subsequent injuries is the responsibility of both the employer and its employees. Injuries can be a result of physical hazards, as well as an employee's lack of knowledge and understanding of safety regulations at his work site.
Employer Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of a company, whether big or small, to ensure that its policies and procedures do not place employees in any danger. If a new company does not have safety policies yet in place, try getting the whole team involved in the creation and implementation. This ensures that each employee will know about hem and understand the rules, thus helping to prevent work site injuries (Reference 2).
Although a company may have strict safety rules in place, it is the employer's job to routinely check the work site for any hazards that can cause harm. Any heavy machinery and equipment must be maintained on a regular basis, as well as furniture, appliances, stairs and office equipment (Reference 2). Employees should watch for any dangers as well, but the employer is responsible fore replacing equipment.
Providing a work area that is clean and uncluttered will reduce the amount of potential injuries and illnesses (Reference 1).
Provide protective gear if the employees' jobs entail working with hazardous materials or debris (Reference 2). An example would be a construction site.
If employees are required to use loud machinery, require that they use ear plugs in order to protect their hearing.
Ensure that the air in the work space is free of chemical irritants, mold, pollen, dust, and other allergens.
Unfortunately, accidents do occur, even in the safest of work environments. Be sure to properly log any injuries that occur and ensure that the employee is properly treated (Reference 1).
Employee Responsibilities
Although it may be the responsibility of an employer to provide a safe work environment, it is the employee's responsibility to follow the safety procedures that are implemented. This is not to say that accidents do not happen. However, the odds of incurring an occupational injury are minimized if an employee is aware of his or her surroundings and follows the company safety rules.
Use any equipment properly and be sure to report to a supervisor if anything is faulty. If the rules are unclear, speak with your manager (Reference 2).
Always wear safety equipment, such as protective eye wear, if the type of job warrants it. Although some rules may seem extreme, it is better to follow them than not, than be exposed to possible injury.
Know where all emergency exits are located in case of fire or other disaster (Reference 2).
If an employee has any concerns or suggestions, they must speak with their boss about them. Workplace safety involves every member of the team. Be aware of surroundings. The more involved everyone is, the less injuries will occur.
Employer Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of a company, whether big or small, to ensure that its policies and procedures do not place employees in any danger. If a new company does not have safety policies yet in place, try getting the whole team involved in the creation and implementation. This ensures that each employee will know about hem and understand the rules, thus helping to prevent work site injuries (Reference 2).
Although a company may have strict safety rules in place, it is the employer's job to routinely check the work site for any hazards that can cause harm. Any heavy machinery and equipment must be maintained on a regular basis, as well as furniture, appliances, stairs and office equipment (Reference 2). Employees should watch for any dangers as well, but the employer is responsible fore replacing equipment.
Providing a work area that is clean and uncluttered will reduce the amount of potential injuries and illnesses (Reference 1).
Provide protective gear if the employees' jobs entail working with hazardous materials or debris (Reference 2). An example would be a construction site.
If employees are required to use loud machinery, require that they use ear plugs in order to protect their hearing.
Ensure that the air in the work space is free of chemical irritants, mold, pollen, dust, and other allergens.
Unfortunately, accidents do occur, even in the safest of work environments. Be sure to properly log any injuries that occur and ensure that the employee is properly treated (Reference 1).
Employee Responsibilities
Although it may be the responsibility of an employer to provide a safe work environment, it is the employee's responsibility to follow the safety procedures that are implemented. This is not to say that accidents do not happen. However, the odds of incurring an occupational injury are minimized if an employee is aware of his or her surroundings and follows the company safety rules.
Use any equipment properly and be sure to report to a supervisor if anything is faulty. If the rules are unclear, speak with your manager (Reference 2).
Always wear safety equipment, such as protective eye wear, if the type of job warrants it. Although some rules may seem extreme, it is better to follow them than not, than be exposed to possible injury.
Know where all emergency exits are located in case of fire or other disaster (Reference 2).
If an employee has any concerns or suggestions, they must speak with their boss about them. Workplace safety involves every member of the team. Be aware of surroundings. The more involved everyone is, the less injuries will occur.
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