New Year’s Resolution 2018:
I Want to Take Charge of My Safety at Work
Have you ever asked yourself: what can I do to help myself, and my co-workers, stay safe at work? Your safety should be important to your employer, and they are required to follow the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) which states that its main purpose is to “protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job.” However, you are responsible for your actions and for following the guidelines set in place by your employer.
This year take it upon yourself to take charge of your safety at work! Here are a few safety tips that you can think about while on the job.
Wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
If your employer provides personal protective equipment, then you should be using it properly! PPE can include a multitude of items, and can vary depending on the type of job that you have. Commonly used PPE includes:
- Safety Glasses
- Hard Hat
- Ear Protection
- Gloves
- Respirator
- Clothing
- Footwear
Why is it important to use PPE properly?
Let’s use an example to answer this. If your employer provides ear protection, such as plugs or muffs, it means that you are most likely going to be exposed to sounds at or above 85 decibels. Why should you wear this protection? Because long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss. Did you know? 85 decibels is equivalent to noise from heavy city traffic. Hearing is something that is lost gradually and is hard to notice until it is too late. It is also irreversible. So be responsible, and use what is provided to you to save your hearing.
Every piece of personal protective equipment provided to you by your employer is there for a reason and should not be overlooked!
Be aware of the health and safety signage.
When you start a new job, the first few days are usually spent on orientation and learning about the organization. It also typically involves health and safety training. Many people are overwhelmed the first week of a new job, so what they have learned can slip through the cracks.
Take it upon yourself to brush up on the health and safety signage that is posted at your workplace. There are several documents that are required by law to be posted, and you should familiarize yourself with them!
What signs are you looking for?
- Employment Standards in Ontario
- Health & Safety at Work: Prevention Starts Here
- Occupational Health and Safety Act
- Health and Safety Policy
- Workplace Violence and Workplace Harassment Policies
- Joint Health and Safety Committees Members (only if a required workplace)
- In Case of Injury
Join your joint health and safety committee.
If this is an option for you, joining your workplace joint health and safety committee is a GREAT way to take charge of your safety at work! This way you will be included in meetings, and are able to offer suggestions for ways to make your workplace safer. You may also be provided with different health and safety learning opportunities that are relevant to your workplace such as First Aid Training, Fall Prevention Training or Confined Space Safety.
Do not put yourself into situations where you feel as though your safety is at risk.
The last thing that you need to do to stay safe at work is be aware! Do not put yourself into situations that make you uncomfortable, or feel unsafe. If your boss asks you to do something that sacrifices your safety, speak up and come to a solution that does not compromise your or your coworker’s safety. It is better to speak up and stay safe, then keep quiet and injure yourself (or worse).
Good luck with all of your resolutions this year, and remember “Be Safe, Not Sorry!”