The Occupational Health and Safety Act is an act that ensures a safe working environment. It also takes care of work related injuries as well as provisions of workers compensation doctors. Occupational injuries are preventable if precautionary measures are taken. However, the cautions vary from profession to profession. It is the responsibility of each of us to work with dedication while protecting ourselves and others from potential hazards to avoid a workplace injury.

Do You Know What Is Going To Happen?

It is very important to get to know your work environment, both physical and chemical. Some mistakes are often committed because of a lack of knowledge or training which is where a company like Safety Management Group can help. So, every worker should be well aware of:

  • The nature of job and the possible hazards associated with it.
  • The safety equipment such as chemical storage containers , their uses and benefits.
  • The safety signs and their significance.
  • All the emergency exits.
  • Location of first aid area.
  • Emergency helpline numbers.

1.    Safety signs

Get to know the safety signs and follow them as well. These vary from occupation to occupation but, should always displayed where needed to avoid workplace injury.

2.    Safety equipment

Goggles, long shoes, aprons, helmets, masks and butyl gloves are the most commonly used safety equipments. These are worn according to the nature of task. Please wear:

a. Goggles

If you work at a place with toxic fumes (chemical industry) or bright lights (welding) .

b. Masks

Wear if you have a hazard that could be ingested or inhaled. This includes protecting yourself from airborne infections if you are a health care professional.

c. Helmets

Those who work in areas where there is hazard of something falling from above should wear a helmet.

d. Chemical resistant gloves

They can protect your hands from lethal substances. Depending upon the nature of your work, these should be worn to prevent workplace injury. Healthcare professionals must keep their hands gloved while treating their patients so that they might not acquire infection.

e. Aprons

Keep your clothes safe from the spillage of toxic substances.

f. Long protective shoes

These are a must if your feet as well as legs are at risk of exposure.

g. Storage containers

It’s crucial to have any dangerous chemicals kept far away from anything or anyone they could damage. The easiest way to do this is to have chemical storage containers – learn more here about those – that keep the chemicals locked away while they aren’t in use.  

3. Work for limited hours

The human body is designed to work as well as rest.  Internationally, one should not work more than 48 hours a week. Even during working hours, you should take short breaks to remain fresh and active to avoid overexertion. Exhausted workers can make mistakes and risk both their as well as other’s lives.

4. Use vacation time.

Every company has a certain number of days off or for holidays. Try to use them for good. This will keep you fresh and motivated for work.

5.    Learn to say no

If you are not master of a certain job, simply refuse to perform it. Sometimes, saying a simple no is in the best interest of you and those you work for. So, do not feel ashamed to refuse a task that is not your cup of tea, because an inexperienced worker is a risk for himself as well as others.

These and many other worthwhile precautionary measures must be taken into consideration while you are at your workplace as a worker.