6 Best Practices To Prevent Work-Related Injury

Wear Personal Protective Equipment

There's a reason why it's called "personal protective equipment" (PPE) -- because it protects the wearer from injury. Unfortunately, many workers avoid the use of PPE, assuming it offers little-to-no real benefit. Failure to work PPE, however, can place workers at a high risk for injury. So whether it's optional or mandatory, workers should always wear the appropriate PPE for their respective job.

Communication

Communication and workplace safety go hand in hand. When workers don't communicate with one another, there's a greater risk for an incident to occur. For instance, a forklift driver should alert other workers that he or she is driving in their direction; otherwise, a worker may unknowingly step into their path, resulting in serious injury or even fatality.

Report Injuries

When a worker is injured while on the job, make sure it's reporter to the employer. Far too many work-related injuries go unreported, and while this may seem harmless enough, it can severe and lasting consequences. Without knowing exactly how many injuries occur, and what's causing these injuries, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as well as other safety organizations won't be able to prevent them in the future.

Hold Emergency Drills

Employers should schedule routine emergency drills to ensure workers are prepared and ready to act in the event of an emergency. We all remember doing the fire drills back in elementary school. Well, this same principle holds true for workers: emergency drills will teach workers when and how to exit the building during an emergency situation. 

Be on The Lookout For Hazards

Both employers and employees should get into the habit of observing their surroundings for potential hazards. This may include spilled oil or liquids, lockout tags not being used properly, etc. If you notice a hazard that could injure a worker, let the employer know. This proactive approach towards workplace safety will go a long ways in reducing the risk of worker injury.

Hold Toolbox Talks

What is a "toolbox talk?" It's basically another name for a short meeting between an employer and employees, covering a specific topic about workplace safety. Holding regular toolbox talks is a simple and effective way to promote a safer workplace. Some topic idea to consider for your toolbox talks include electrical hazards, MSD prevention, how to use a specific tool or piece of equipment, the use of PPE, etc.