In 2020, there were 4,764 fatal work injuries in the U.S. That’s 3.4 fatalities per 100,000 full-time employees. Thousands more people were injured on the job and survived. All of these incidents can be prevented. Here’s a reminder for some of the best safety tips to keep you and those around you just a little safer this year.
2022 Job Safety Tips
Start by getting to know the work environment around you. Slow down a bit and observe any potential hazards in the common routes where you travel. Situational awareness is an important part of safety both on and off the job, so keep your eyes open for anything that could cause you a problem and put your health at risk. It’s easy to go on autopilot, but the reality in a manufacturing plant is that could get you hurt—or worse. Watch your overhead and be careful in the aisles of the building. That’s like the street for a forklift or other heavy equipment. Absolutely do not look at your phone as you’re walking from one place to another (we’ve seen it). That puts you at huge risk, all because you’re texting or checking email. Keep your head up and stay aware of what’s around you—please—to stay safer while on the job.
Know the rules and follow them. We may roll our eyes at OSHA regulations that seem like government overreach but the truth is, these rules do keep you safer. Pay attention to the safety requirements at your station and in your department. Follow them to the letter, every single time to be just a little safer on the job. This includes following proper lockout/tagout procedures to ensure your equipment is properly stowed and turned off.
Know your exits and know the emergency exit and action plan in your area. This could save your life, particularly if you work in a potentially hazardous plant environment. If a total or partial evacuation is required, do you know the protocols? What if a fire breaks out or a toxic spill occurs? There are or should be even protocols for hazardous weather situations that seem to be happening more frequently these days. Practice these drills and know what’s required should your “normal day” suddenly become more “interesting.”
Also, don’t mess with any equipment you haven’t been fully trained on. It can seem fun to ride on the forklift or you may even be asked to fill in on a piece of equipment when someone is out sick. If you’re not forklift certified or if you haven’t received training to the point where you feel safe and comfortable, tell your manager about it. Machines that don’t even require certifications for operation can hurt you badly in the manufacturing plant.
Talk to your supervisor about anything you feel concerned about. If the company has a safety committee, why not join it? Be serious about safety but also talk to your coworkers about best practices and why they’re in place. Don’t cut corners because you are quite literally risking your life and health and the life and health of everyone around you.