Workplace safety is not just the job of any one person. Employers have a legal responsibility to provide employees with a safe place to work. At the same time, employees play a role in workplace safety as well. This means that workers need to be fully involved in the process as well. How would you promote safety as an employee?
Workplace safety begins with your own personal safety. Keeping yourself from suffering any harm at work involves being diligent in following any health and safety rules your employer has developed. It also means taking any safety training your employer provides you seriously. Doing both these two things ensures you will have the knowledge necessary to do your job the right way without risking injury.
Another important aspect of your personal safety is to make sure you minimize any personal risks. You should not wear loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in machinery. You should also keep your hair short, or keep it tied back, to prevent the same. Finally, you should always use any personal protective equipment given to you by your employers whenever you’re required.
Protecting your personal safety isn’t enough if you want to promote safety as an employee. You also need to protect the safety of others around you. This can take many forms. One of the most crucial ways to protect the safety of others is to take action if you see an unsafe situation. If you can remedy a situation personally, do so. If you cannot, tell a supervisor so they can take steps to remedy it themselves.
There are even more ways to protect the safety of others around you. You can lead by example. Talk to other employees about safe working methods. Demonstrate those methods yourself whenever possible. Actively engage in workplace safety meetings and discussions. Finally, remember that you have a duty to protect everyone on your work site. This extends to non-workers, even those that may not be authorized to be there.
It is true that employers are responsible for workplace safety. It’s an employer that will face legal consequences in the wake of a work accident, even if an employee might be partially to blame. If you want to promote safety as an employee, you need to behave responsibly while at work. Follow all safety rules and wear personal protective equipment when appropriate. Pay attention to safety training. Speak up at meetings and participate in safety discussions. Finally, speak out when you see an unsafe situation at work. Doing so will help keep your workplace safer.