When it comes to the work place, a lot of people do not really think about exactly what they can do to keep themselves safe. Instead, they tend to do their very best to get the job done and try to impress their managers. With firms tightening their belts thanks to the economic climate, a lot of people and businesses are over looking basic health and safety practices which reduce the chances of illnesses and injury.
Here is the thing; you do not need to risk injuring yourself or getting an illness because your employer is neglecting basic practices. Take matters into your own hands and speak to the employer explaining you think basic health and safety practices are not currently being carried out and you want things to change!
#1 Cleaning Up
The first step to ensuring the work place is healthy and safe is ensuring it is clean. For people working with food, this is especially important! Basic practices like sanitizing work areas and cleaning your hands regularly are all that is needed to ensure that germs do not spread. Try and do this as regularly as possible and the work place will instantly become healthier. This will reduce the risk of illnesses for people that come into contact with the area.
#2 Tidy = Safe
A tidy work place is generally going to be a much safer work place than a messy one. Make sure all walk ways and fire exits are not blocked with rubbish. If they are then clean it up as this is going to lead to an accident in the long run. Remember; you might know that a machine or box is on the floor, but someone passing through might not! Cleaning up and making the work place tidy will reduce the risk of injury.
#3 Use Safety Equipment
If you are doing a job that requires safety equipment or using a machine that also requires it; use it. A lot of people now try and cut corners by not fitting helmets, goggles or protective gloves simple because they are aiming time. Remember; those 30 seconds you spend putting on this equipment could be the difference of being safe and having a major injury. Is 30 seconds of your time worth staying safe? Of course it is!
Work place health and safety is not a difficult thing to implement. Take a few minutes a day to evaluate the situation and you will find that the work place becomes a much nicer place to be!