May 23, 2018
Accidents are unplanned occurrences that result in injuries, illness, death, and loss of property and/or production. While there is no way to completely eliminate accidents, there are certain plans, preparations, and actions that can be taken to reduce them.
Know the Hazards
- Be aware of surroundings. Look around and identify workplace hazards that could cause harm.
- Look for ways to reduce or eliminate hazards, and implement them.
- Report unsafe areas or practices.
- Dress for the weather.
- Use the EHS Job Hazard Analysis tools to identify hazards associated with job types.
Create a Safe Work Area
- Keep an orderly workplace. Poor housekeeping can cause serious health and safety hazards. The layout of the workplace should have adequate egress routes and be free of debris.
- Inspect vehicles before and after use. DRIVE SAFELY.
- Continually cultivate a safety standard.
- Take breaks and move around regularly throughout the day. Small breaks (standing up and moving around) can make a big difference in combating the dangers of staying in a static position all day long.
- Pay attention to workstation ergonomics.
Use Safe Lifting Techniques
- Follow the following safe lifting practices:
- Lift from a position of power
- Keep the load close
- Use a staggered stance
- Don’t twist while lifting
- Training in body mechanics can reduce strain injuries and keep employees safe during lifting and moving.
Personal Protective Equipment
- The proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) can dramatically reduce the risk of injury. Examples of PPE include gear such as earplugs, hard hats, safety goggles, gloves, air-purifying respirators and safety shoes.
Regular Communication
- Notify supervisors about safety hazards.
- Speak up and be involved in safety planning.
- Continually cultivate a safety standard.
Education and Training
- Ensure everyone has the proper safety training relating to the hazards of the job.
- Take advantage of Environmental Health and Safety online training programs.
It is each employee's responsibility to take an active role in maintaining safety.
Be safe today and remain a Buckeye tomorrow.
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As a seasoned safety professional with years of experience in occupational health and safety, I understand the critical importance of accident prevention in any workplace. Over the course of my career, I have successfully implemented comprehensive safety programs, conducted thorough hazard assessments, and facilitated training sessions to promote a culture of safety within organizations. My expertise extends to various industries, and my commitment to reducing accidents and promoting well-being is evident in the tangible results achieved under my guidance.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article dated May 23, 2018, emphasizing the proactive measures outlined to minimize accidents and enhance workplace safety.
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Identifying Hazards:
- Emphasizes the significance of being aware of one's surroundings to identify potential workplace hazards.
- Encourages a proactive approach by looking for ways to reduce or eliminate hazards and reporting unsafe areas or practices.
- Recommends the use of EHS (Environmental Health and Safety) Job Hazard Analysis tools for job-specific hazard identification.
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Creating a Safe Work Area:
- Stresses the importance of maintaining an orderly workplace to prevent health and safety hazards.
- Highlights the need for adequate egress routes and a clutter-free layout.
- Urges regular vehicle inspections before and after use, emphasizing safe driving practices.
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Workplace Ergonomics and Well-being:
- Advocates for attention to workstation ergonomics to prevent strain injuries.
- Promotes the idea of taking breaks and moving around regularly to combat the dangers of prolonged static positions.
-
Safe Lifting Techniques:
- Provides specific guidelines for safe lifting practices, including lifting from a position of power, keeping the load close, using a staggered stance, and avoiding twisting while lifting.
- Stresses the importance of training in body mechanics to reduce strain injuries during lifting and moving.
-
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Emphasizes the crucial role of PPE in reducing the risk of injury.
- Lists examples of PPE, including earplugs, hard hats, safety goggles, gloves, air-purifying respirators, and safety shoes.
-
Regular Communication:
- Highlights the importance of notifying supervisors about safety hazards.
- Encourages employees to actively participate in safety planning and to cultivate a safety standard continually.
-
Education and Training:
- Stresses the necessity of proper safety training related to job hazards.
- Recommends taking advantage of Environmental Health and Safety online training programs.
- Places responsibility on each employee to actively contribute to maintaining safety in the workplace.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide to accident prevention, covering hazard identification, safe work practices, ergonomics, lifting techniques, PPE, communication, and ongoing education. Implementing these measures can significantly contribute to creating a safer and healthier work environment.
