June is National Safety Month

June is National Safety Month, so whether you work in construction, manufacturing, retail or elsewhere, you should follow some basic steps to promote a safer workplace.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), nearly 5,000 workers die each year while on the job. Among the most dangerous industries is construction, where roughly 21% of all work-related fatalities occur. Regardless of industry, however, there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of serious injury.

Watch the Floors

Not surprisingly, slip-and-falls account for one of the most common causes of work-related injury. When a worker falls, he or she may sustain bruises, cuts, broken bones, concussion, or other problems. Maintaining clean, clear pathways can help protect against slip-and-falls. And when floors are slippery, use a sign to let workers know.

Test Fire Alarms and Fire Extinguishers

Employers should also get into the habit of testing fire alarms and fire extinguishers, ensuring they both function as intended. Many employers rarely, if ever, check these items. It's only when a fire occurs when employers realize the importance of maintaining functional fire alarms and fire extinguishers.

Watch for Falling Objects

Another common cause of work-related injury is falling objects. When storing objects on shelves, for instance, heavier objects should be placed on the bottom and lighter objects on the top to reduce the risk of them falling. Employers and workers should also refrain from stacking objects in pathways.

Maintain Tools and Equipment

Be sure to maintain all power tools and equipment according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Neglecting to maintain tools and equipment is a serious mistake that can increase the risk of worker injury.

Increase Worker Visibility in High-Traffic Areas

Something as simple as a reflective vest can prevent collisions with forklifts and other powered equipment. Workers in high-traffic areas such as loading docks should wear reflective vests for this reason.

Provide Workers with PPE

As per federal safety laws, employers are required to provide workers with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). The necessary PPE will vary depending on the workplace and the job. For construction, commonly used PPE may include a hard hat, steel-toed shoes, gloves and a safety vest. Other jobs may require PPE such as a respirator or mask.

These are just a safety tips to follow this month. For more tips, check out some of the previous blog posts we've published here at SafetyCompany.