Even if you’re working a white-collar job, you’re just as vulnerable to injury as someone working at a construction site. When an accident happens, you might sustain injuries that are too difficult to recover from. Consider yourself lucky when you tripped and got a minor gash, but the same couldn’t be said for scenarios like a sudden ceiling collapse or asbestos exposure.
When any of these happen to you, you are well within your right to be compensated. Employers are obligated to take care of workers who were injured on-site. There are cases when accidents could’ve been avoided. As much as there are protections in place to compensate you for the injuries you sustained, it’s still important that you practice due care in keeping yourself out of harm’s way. Here’s a guide to help you stay safe on the job:
- Always review the employee handbook
The most basic thing you can do to prevent injury is to review what your company handbook says. It contains not just policies covering lunch breaks and leave filings but also safety issues you wouldn’t want to ignore. Especially if you’re operating heavy equipment and exposing yourself to harsh chemicals, the handbook prescribes safety measures that will steer you away from any form of harm that could’ve been avoidable otherwise.
- Report safety concerns on the double
Workplace safety isn’t just about keeping yourself safe. You also need to do your part in making the work environment safe for everyone else. With that being said, report possible hazards to your direct supervisor or your human resources representative who can provide resources for injured workers.
It’s also important to weigh in on policies and decisions that are in direct violation of guidelines mandated by the local and national governments. By doing your part, you also protect the organization from the fallout that would have resulted from unmitigated injuries.
- Keep everything nice and clean
The one thing that separates you from a potential injury is not just the safety gear you wear; it’s also workplace cleanliness. Spills and clutter can lead to an unsafe work environment for everyone, so it’s important that you practice diligence in keeping the space spic and span.
Even if it’s not part of your work description, maintaining a clean-as-you-go mindset minimizes injuries and ensures that the organization remains productive all throughout. While you’re at it, make sure that every piece of equipment is properly maintained. Along with clutter, mechanical and electrical issues that go unnoticed could lead to unwanted risks.
- Take part in safety seminars and workshops
Learning about workplace safety is not a one-time commitment. It’s a long-term one that requires continuous training on basic measures as well as new protocols designed in light of newer risks. In some states, employers are mandated to conduct safety training at least once each year. These sessions are free, so make the most out of them. Not only will you learn about the company’s latest safety investments but you also learn skills that are necessary for promotion.
Endnote
Safety is critical to the productivity of any organization. It falls on your hands as an employee to make sure the workplace and everyone in it are kept safe from hazards.
