Follow safety protocols: Ensure that you understand and follow all relevant health and safety policies, procedures, and guidelines in your workplace. Consistency is the key. Do not lapse and ignore when a task or equipment is being carried out or used incorrectly. Getting lucky and not having anything go wrong, is exactly that “LUCK”. Do not let chance decide your safety.
Report hazards: Report any potential safety hazards or incidents promptly to your supervisor or safety coordinator. Near misses are especially your best friend. So a staff member almost cut his hand open. Well that is unquestionably better than the real thing happening. So report and act on the near miss, they could help you to see what could be improved in your processes and protocols and possibly save a life.
Use personal protective equipment (PPE): Wear the appropriate PPE for your job, such as high viz, hard hats, safety glasses, or earplugs, to minimize the risk of injury. Once again consistency with the use of PPE is vital. Ensure that it is fit for purpose and readily available to use.
Maintain equipment: Ensure that equipment and tools are properly maintained and used in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and industry standards. Well maintained equipment is not just safer to use, you are less likely to encounter break downs, which cause delays in work.
Stay alert: Pay attention to your surroundings, avoid distractions, and stay focused on your tasks to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace. Take 5 each day to assess your work environment. Things can change and new hazards could be introduced. Do not take your work environment for granted.