From Awareness to Action: Building a Culture of Workplace Safety

No one goes to work expecting to get hurt, but unfortunately, injuries can happen at any workplace. These injuries could be from heavy lifting, repetitive motions, or even a slip on a wet floor. Although there are many ways to get injured at your job, most workplace accidents are preventable with the right approach.

Employers typically have guidelines and safety training to create a safe work environment. These training courses are important to check that you understand how to navigate your job safely. Make sure that you attend all safety sessions or participate in all required online training sessions. After participating in these sessions, make sure that you understand how to apply what you have learned into your daily tasks at work. If you are unsure of something, ask your safety training instructor or manager. They can explain what you have questions about so that you understand it completely. Although training session topics may seem tedious, it is your opportunity to fine tune skills that you already have to keep yourself and others safe.

Employees can work with each other and their employer to ensure workplace safety. They can also educate themselves about proper body mechanics to prevent workplace injuries.

Preventing Back Injuries at Work

One of the most common injuries in the workplace are back injuries. These can happen from poor posture, awkward movements, and lifting heavy objects incorrectly. To prevent back injuries, there are a couple of things to remember.

The first is to lift with your knees, instead of with your back. If you are going to pick something up off the floor, bend at your knees like you are going to squat, instead of bending over at your waist. Be sure to engage your core when lifting, to help take the strain off your back. Another tip is to hold the object you are lifting close to your body, preferably close to your abdomen. This decreases the amount of force on your back when you are lifting it. When you are lifting, avoid twisting, because the lifting and twisting force combined increases the strain on your muscles, causing you to become more prone to pulling a back muscle.

Lastly, do not be afraid to ask for help if you think that you are picking up something that is too heavy or large. It is better to be safe and ask for help, than to try it yourself and end up with an injury.

Wearing the Right Shoes

Depending on where you work, you may have specific uniforms or certain safety equipment to wear. If you work in a high-risk area, remembering to wear your safety equipment is essential in preventing injuries.

There is another factor that many people do not think about right away when it comes to safety. This factor is the shoes you wear. If you are walking long distances at your job or are on your feet all day, you should look into supportive and comfortable footwear. Wearing shoes that are not supportive during your work day can lead to foot, ankle, knee, hip, and even back pain. Some supportive shoes for being on your feet for long periods of time are Brooks, Hokas, Sketchers, and New Balance.

Staying Vigilant

It is important to always be aware of your surroundings. If you notice a spill that could cause someone to slip, make sure to tell someone who can clean it up, or clean it up yourself if you have the time and resources. This could not only prevent you from becoming injured, but it could also help someone else that might slip on the spill. Also, make sure that cords and equipment are put away after use so there is no possibility for anyone to trip on them.

The Importance of Breaks

Throughout your workday, be sure to take short, regular breaks. If you have been working at a computer all day, it is beneficial to take breaks to stand and move around. You also need to rest your eyes from the computer’s blue light. If you have been on your feet all day, be sure to take breaks to rehydrate. It is a good idea to keep a water bottle with you at your workspace throughout the day to prevent dehydration.

Conclusion

Anyone can be a safety leader. It starts by taking responsibility for your own actions and speaking up when something is not right. You can help create a safer workplace not only for yourself, but for everyone involved.