Taking Safety in The Workplace Seriously

(Author: Stebee | Article Views: 12 | Word Count: 352 | Published: Oct 10th 2008)

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Workplace injuries are among the leading causes of injury in North America today. It costs families billions of dollars in medical bills and lost revenue, and, in hundreds of unfortunate cases every year, it costs lives.

Alarmingly, in many States and Canadian provinces, the number of workplace injury compensation claims filed annually has been steadily increasing in recent years. Every worker and employer has the power to prevent these injuries by using common sense and taking advantage of the prevention resources available. The first step toward avoiding injury is to get all of the training available for your position. Employers have a legal responsibility to provide their staff with any and all training necessary for them to complete their jobs safely. Working in a high risk farm or factory for example could mean a rigorous period of on-the-job training. Even in an office however, basic safety procedures like fire drills must be instilled into the workforce because ultimately they could save lives.

If safety equipment is necessary for a particular task, it is the employers responsibility to ensure that employees use it, and that it is in good order, whether provided by the firm or purchased by the worker. Old equipment should be retired in strict accordance with the manufacturers recommendations, and most governments worldwide regularly perform random on-site safety audits to ensure that the necessary equipment has been provided and is being used correctly.

The next step is to use common sense while at work; not every dangerous scenario will be anticipated in training manuals, so safe workers should always be ready to respond appropriately to unsafe conditions. Have a co-worker hold a ladder while you work on it. Don't run or move quickly in a crowded environment with dangerous materials. Wear gloves, wash your hands, don't arrive at work tired. If you identify a situation that you feel is unsafe, your employer can not legally penalize you from stopping work until the situation has been rectified to your satisfaction. You can't be fired for taking extra time to be safe on the job.

About the Author

Should an accident at work occur in spite of the fact you followed the necessary precautions, it is of great importance that you report it. This is your only link to government and corporate support. Should the accident result in a serious personal injury, and you wish to file for compensation then the only way you will get it is if the incident was reported at the time.

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