In our day-to-day work environment we do many different things, and some of these activities are dangerous when not done properly. You have probably heard of someone missing a week of work due to a back injury from lifting improperly while on the job, or someone tripping over a power chord or another obstacle. While working in a fast paced environment, it’s sometimes hard to give proper attention to safe work practices. If you help your employees remember just a few simple techniques, you can lower the risk of injury throughout your workplace. Next time you are training your team on workplace safety try asking them some of these questions:
1. What is the proper way to lift a heavy load?
No matter where you work there will be a time when you are required to lift something off the ground in order to move it or use it. Whether it is a box of printer paper or a 50 lb. bag of flour safe lifting techniques can help ensure you keep from throwing out your back at work. There are three different ways to lift a box as outlined in our Tips for Safe Lifting Poster. It’s best to tighten your core muscles and avoid twisting while lifting.
2. Why should you keep your workplace clean?
Keeping a clean work environment is essential to keeping a safe work environment. Oftentimes a messy or dirty work station can lead to injury, so it is good to know how to properly clean and maintain equipment and your work space. Remember, before cleaning any electrical equipment, be sure turn it off and unplug it from its power source. Follow the steps in our Cleaning in Place Poster to ensure a properly cleaned and sanitized environment.
3. What are the leading causes of work related injuries and how can you prevent them?
Working with food can be messy, but that is no excuse to have a messy floor. In order to maintain a safe work environment it is essential to keep floors clean, dry, and free from obstructions. The leading causes of work-related injuries are slips, trips, and falls. Whether it occurs from rushing, improper footwear, or a messy work environment, these injuries are preventable. Follow the tips in our Slips, Trips, and Falls Poster to help keep your workplace free from injuries related to slips, trips, and falls.
When training on these principles, be sure to use the posters provided to help employees visualize these safety techniques. As a manager it is your responsibility to keep your employees safe, you can do this by training them effectively and following up to be sure they are keeping these practices. Be safe!
—Thomas Larsen
