Whether you have a job already or you are exploring job listings, knowing how to stay safe in a working environment is crucial. Ensuring you are secure on the job means being prepared and practicing good habits. Below are a few tips to keep in mind at your place of work.

How to Stay Safe at Work

1. Know Your Surroundings

Whether you work in an office or a warehouse, you should be aware of any potential risks. Pay attention to your movements throughout the day and watch for trip hazards, high voltage areas, and other possible dangers. If you notice an issue, report it to your supervisor to prevent others from being injured as well.

2. Don’t Block Exits

If an emergency occurs, an obstructed exit can impede your ability to get to safety. Therefore, exit doors should never be blocked with furniture, equipment, boxes, or trash. Even if the task is quick, like changing a lightbulb, ladders and other tools should never be an obstacle to an exit door.

3. Wear Protective Gear

If your job involves dangerous chemicals or you work in construction, make sure you are wearing the proper protection. This includes hard hats, safety goggles, ear protection, gloves, and any other coverage that seems necessary. Each employee should know what to wear in their work area and should know that not wearing the right apparel even for a minute is a security risk.

4. Take a Break

Breaks are vital and also a legal requirement by OSHA and state laws. Fatigued employees are more at risk of dangerous mistakes and accidents. Take regular breaks to stay alert, especially if you operate large machinery.

5. Watch Your Movements

For jobs that require heavy lifting, make sure to use your legs and not your back. If the position offers tools like dollies or wheelbarrows to transport heavy items, use them. For office work, maintain good posture to avoid back and neck trouble. Get up frequently to give your body a break from being sedentary, and consider ergonomic items like pillows and padding for chairs and desks.

For the Greater Lincoln, NE, area, Work USA, Inc. is the employment agency to trust when you need labor for your construction company and personnel for home health care, hospitals, and hotel housekeeping, or if you are seeking job listings for a new career. Since 1999, they have provided their clients with comprehensive hiring and recruiting solutions, and their professional team ensures that the right candidates are filling the positions. In addition, they also offer career counseling, interviewing advice, and other tips for those who use their services. For more on their staffing solutions, call (402) 474-9675. Browse their job listings online.