How to Keep Your Workplace Safe from Hazards

Contrary to popular belief, every workplace and environment poses some risk to an individual. Some work settings may have a reduced level of danger simply because there are rules and regulations set in place. Other workplaces, such as construction environments, are more prone to danger-related situations.

There needs to be a universal set of workplace policies to mitigate potential harm from occurring to a worker. These rules can be as simple as not leaving hazardous materials around the surroundings. Other guidelines may involve more stringent instructions regarding fire safety, material handling, or engaging a sharps bin collection service to dispose of hazardous or sharp waste.

These guidelines will serve to protect each employee from potential hazards. Let’s check out some of the best ways to keep your workplace as safe as possible.

WHMIS Training

As mentioned previously, many work environments have specific instructions set in place. In terms of an actual, codified set of rules, WHMIS is the gold standard to follow. Known as Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, the system is as comprehensive as it is universal. All employers must implement a WHMIS system of some sort to safeguard their employees.

To ensure that each worker is acquainted with the WHMIS system, employees must take a training course. This WHMIS training course informs each individual extensively so that they know how to react in a hazardous situation. For example, recognizing specific symbols on an item can indicate to the worker that it is toxic. WHMIS is extremely important as a result!

First Aid Kits

Even if you consider your office to be the safest work setting in the city, you can’t risk it by not being careful. In the event of a crisis, there needs to be someone present to help administer first aid. First aid kits are essential items in workplaces, as they can potentially save a life.

Depending on the size of your workplace, that will determine how many kits to include throughout the location. Some workplaces may only need a few kits, while larger work environments may need more. Should a hazard become a significant danger, first aid kits will mitigate the level of harm done.

Clear Your Flooring

Over time, the flooring in your work environment may become susceptible to deterioration. While this may not present an immediate sense of danger, harm may be present to the invisible eye. Should this continue and the floors remain untidy, the potential for accidents increases.

You’ll want to make sure that all of your walkways are clear, both inside and outside the work environment. For example, make sure the walkways are shoveled and salted after a snowfall. Any other damage that is present should be repaired or taken care of as soon as possible.

Manual Lifting

For those who work in a warehouse, manual lifting of various items will generally happen. These items can come in different weights, which can be harder to lift and move around. Sometimes, an employee may have to lift heavy objects and place them in an elevated area.

Of course, this poses a clear danger to the worker if they do not know how to lift the item properly. All warehouses should have set guidelines in place, which demonstrate how to move heavy objects around. As a worker, you never want to lift more than you can handle. Your safety comes first, after all!

Fire Safety

Although the potential for a fire to break out is low in most work environments, it can still occur. As a result, your workplace should always have an emergency plan set in place so that employees can handle a potential fire. Setting up emergency action plans and directing at-risk workers to the nearest exit will be critical.

Electrical Hazards

While it may seem as if electrical devices don’t present a clear and present threat, things can go awry quickly. If you have too many electrical devices plugged into one concentrated area, be careful. A good power supply can help reduce the chance for the power to spike.

Water Damage

Water damage can be the bane of any employer’s existence, especially if your office is considered safe. To be on the safe side, be sure to have your pipes in your workplace inspected regularly. If you have HVAC systems on-site, you’ll also want to make sure they are serviced regularly. That way, you reduce the chance for water damage to occur.

Review Policies

No matter what time of the year it is, you’ll want to review your safety guidelines regularly. This will keep your training standards and safety guidelines modernized. Keeping your workplace free of all hazards can be complex, no matter how safe the environment is. By implementing an intelligent set of safety instructions, you and your workers will stay as safe as possible!