Keeping the Workplace Safe

By Caitlin Bootsma

National Safety Month reminds us each year to pay attention to hazards around the workplace. This year, while many people are working within an office or other building, there is still an increased amount of people working at home because of the pandemic.

While this list may not apply fully to both situations, consider the ways that you can make your own workplace safer—wherever you are working!

  • Commute safely: What adjustments can you make to ensure your commute is as safe as possible? This could include trying to get more adequate rest, getting maintenance on your vehicle, or minimizing driving distractions like phones or other devices.
  • Office safety: What can you do to make your regular workspace safer? Consider moving cords, securing bookshelves, removing unstable objects, and (if in a home office) taking note of anything that could endanger a visiting child!
  • Office equipment: What do you need to perform your work safely? This would be a great time to replace hard hats, supportive shoes or other equipment.
  • Germs: This has been a big focus over the past year, but it never hurts to take a second look. What sanitation procedures can you put into place to prevent the spreading of germs? This could include handwashing signs, hand sanitizer stations, regular cleanings of common areas, removing towels that everyone touches and switching to personalized towels or paper towels, etc.
  • Emergency training: Do you have someone in your immediate surroundings trained in CPR and First Aid? Are they always available? Consider signing someone (even yourself!) up for a training. Also, make sure that the First Aid kit is up-to-date and that everyone knows what to do in the case of fires, tornadoes or other natural emergencies.

This month is also the perfect time to talk to your colleagues about safety and consider what else you can implement as a team. It is easy to let safety protocols fall into disuse, but so many of them are simple and can prevent injuries and accidents!




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