Assessment, Awareness, Action

The Occupational Safety and Health Act was passed in 1970 – an act which mandated that employers provide a safe workplace for employees. It was from this landmark decision that the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) was established. Being aware of OSHA guidelines and your rights to a safe work environment are critical.

Additionally, consider your own situational awareness – for example, as you read this, do you know where the nearest exit is in your building? How about the nearest fire extinguisher?

Need some help getting started? DOWNLOAD this
Editable Safety Manual!

Always assess and be aware of your immediate surroundings. If action is required – for instance, if you become aware of a potential safety hazard or witness a safety violation – act swiftly and without delay. Inform your immediate supervisor of any safety hazards or violations. If your job requires certain safety attire, like safety glasses or earplugs, make sure you are always sporting the necessary protection while on the job site.

Keep your own bodily safety in mind as well. Do not lift something if it’s a strain to do so – enlist a peer to assist or use mechanical aids if available and permissible. Work on correct posture, whether you work mostly standing or mostly sitting. Be vigilant about taking your allotted breaks and do not overexert yourself to the point of exhaustion.

Here are (5) Helpful Tips for Creating a Safer Workplace

1. Take Regular Breaks - Schedule your most challenging tasks when your concentration is at its best. Also, take regular breaks to stay fresh and alert. This will also assist with avoiding injury and burnout. 
   
   
2. Stay Sober - 3% of workplace fatalities occur due to drug or alcohol use in the workplace.
   
   
3. Reduce Workplace Stress - Stress can lead to depression, sleeping difficulties and problems with concentration. Common causes include long hours, heavy workload, job insecurity and conflicts with a coworkers or bosses.
   
   
4. Talk Over Any Concerns - Your employer needs to be informed of any hazards and risks. Your employer is legally obligated to ensure a safe working environment. 
   
   
5. Protect Your Back - If you need to pick up and carry heavy loads, keep the load close to your body and lift with your thigh muscles.

Remember, safety doesn’t happen by accident. Always be mindful of your own safety and the safety of those around you.

Personal safety is vital at work. Check out our Editable Safety Guide to use at your business.

Hundreds of organizations support their employees through The Ulliance Life Advisor EAP. If you experience a workplace accident, call Ulliance for onsite support  How can we help you? Visit www.ulliance.com, or call 866-648-8326.

Ready to achieve Financial Fitness? Ulliance has teamed up with GreenPath Financial Wellness to provide a Financial Fitness in 2020 webinar on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. EST.

Key Take-Aways

• How to create and adjust a spending plan
• Realistic goal setting
• How to involve your family with your 2020 financial wellness vision