05/ 30/ 2006
by Vicki Gerson
Have you looked around your workplace recently? Most likely you will find a few safety hazards that you need to correct to prevent you or one of your employees from getting hurt.
In 2002, OSHA reported occupational injury and illness rates of 5.3 cases per 100 workers, with 4.7 million injuries and illnesses among private sector firms. Seventy-eight percent of these injuries occurred in the manufacturing, services, wholesale and retail trade sectors. Fatal work incidents were reported at a rate of four fatalities per 100,000 workers, and deaths from job-related falls dropped 12 percent—the first decrease since 1998.
To avoid workplace injuries, here are some safety tips to consider:
Electrical safety
- Inspect all electrical cords and outlets for cracks, fraying or other damage. If you find any damage, stop using the cord immediately and contact the building management to repair the outlet.
- If you use an extension cord, make sure that it is the proper type for the equipment or appliance so it is not overloaded. To avoid tripping over the cord, don't place it in a heavily traffic area unless you have taped it down.
- Avoid overloading an outlet.
- Make sure that you switch appliances and tools off before unplugging or plugging them in.
Avoiding slips and falls
- Make sure computer and telephone cords are not underfoot to prevent employees from getting their feet tangled.
- Use a footstool or stepladder when changing a light bulb or retrieving something from a high shelf, don't allow employees to stand on their desks, a box or a wastebasket.
- Tack all loose carpeting down and fix broken tiles or uneven floors.
- Keep all main hallways free of clutter and create designated walkways.
- Don't permit employees to run through the building.
- Clean up all spills immediately.
- Maintain adequate lighting in work areas.
- Make sure all ramps, gangplanks and loading docks have non-skid surfaces.
- Remind employees not to carry large objects that could obstruct their view when walking through a production area.
Other safety tips
- Make sure that employees use proper footwear in production areas. Buy shoes with non-skid soles.
- Depending on the job, make sure employees wear shoes that can protect the top of the foot from fallen objects and other hazards.
- If safety glasses should be worn, make sure each worker complies with this policy. A wide selection of safety glasses is available, including those that can be worn over existing prescription glasses.
- Hard hats should be worn when necessary.
- If you have a high noise level in the workplace, require your workers to wear earplugs. You can find various types of earplugs in the marketplace, but they need to be fitted properly to prevent hearing loss.
- To help avoid carpal tunnel syndrome, modify tools to reduce vibration.
Two of the most dangerous hazards can't be found lying around your workplace: alcohol and drug abuse. Be observant for workers who appear to be abusing either substance. Not only can these individuals be a danger to themselves, they could cause another worker to have an accident as well.
