Workplace safety has become a more important topic for employers and employees in recent years. To keep your workforce safe and healthy, you must be aware of the ABCs of Workplace Safety. Here’s a quick overview of the essential safety tips to remember while on the job.
A is for Asbestos Awareness
Like you would conduct routine radon mitigation inspections at home, it is necessary to conduct asbestos awareness inside the workplace. Therefore, your company should have asbestos surveys conducted by trained professionals to recognize potential health risks associated with exposure to asbestos fibers.
Asbestos can be found in many construction materials that you will come into contact with every day at work. So, it is vital to recognize asbestos and know what to do with it. One way you can learn about the warning signs of asbestos is through education courses.
B is for Bloodborne Pathogens
Bloodborne pathogens can lead to various diseases, so wearing specific personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary when handling blood or other bodily fluids.
Personal protective equipment will also shield your employees from the consequences of an accidental needle prick. When working with bloodborne pathogens, it is essential to wear rubber gloves and other necessary PPE. A written exposure control plan should be implemented if any risk of exposure exists at your work site.
C is for Chemical Exposure
Chemicals can lead to toxic exposure, so you should restrict the use of chemicals in designated areas. For example, suppose a chemical is used in a poorly ventilated or confined space. In that case, it is vital to relocate those working in that area until the hazardous release has been eliminated.
It’s also crucial to leave a detailed note about where chemicals have been used. To prevent injuries from chemical exposure, it is advisable to avoid storing flammable chemicals near heat sources. Also, when dealing with hazardous chemicals in an enclosed area, ensure that there is proper ventilation and a safety shower nearby.
D is for Decontamination Procedures
There are many types of personal protective equipment, so each worker should know which kind is appropriate for a given situation. For example, you should use chemical-resistant gloves when working with chemicals and eye protection if there is a risk of exposure to hazardous dust particles.
In addition, workers must know how to decontaminate themselves after an emergency incident has occurred in the workplace. This means that regular training sessions should explain the necessary steps when a chemical spill occurs.
E is for Electrical Safety and Grounding Equipment
Electrical safety is critical in the workplace because of the severe injuries when working with electricity. For instance, you should never work with electrical equipment if it has water or other foreign substances. This includes avoiding contact with electrical equipment while standing in a puddle of water.
Also, remember that power lines are intended for 110-240 Volts, so you should never touch a power line directly with your hands. To avoid electrical hazards when working around tools that require electricity, you should have them grounded or double insulated.
F is for Fire Prevention
Fire safety is important because the consequences of a fire can be life-threatening in just seconds. This includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and an emergency escape plan.
To prevent a fire from occurring in the workplace, it is crucial to have a written evacuation plan that you can use as a reference during emergencies. It would be best to consider training employees on how to evacuate an area efficiently when there’s an emergency.
G is for General Safety Considerations
The general safety can be improved by following some simple steps. For example, you should try to obstruct pathways between buildings and equipment. There should be ample lighting in work areas, and stairwells should not contain loose material.
Also, consider using safety checklists to help control accidents. Lastly, you should undergo regular training to refresh your knowledge of safety information. This way, you will recognize possible safety risks and take the necessary precautions.
H is for Hazard Communication and Appendices
Hazard communication is a set of tools developed to allow employees to identify and control hazards based on the type of risk they pose. This means that the appropriate forms should be filled out by employees who must follow these rules.
In addition, appendices must be attached to the bottom of the standard operating procedures. These appendices include contact information for local emergency services, hazardous material information, and safety data sheets.
There are plenty more safety tips to keep in mind, but these few ones are a reasonable basis for any worker. If you’re truly determined to keep your employees safe and healthy, consider investing in safety training courses or assessing the risks present in your workplace.
