When Americans go to work, they expect their workplace to be safe—there is even a federal agency charged with workplace safety called the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). Although OSHA offers tons of tips for safety in nearly every industry, the writing can be difficult to understand, as it is written by bureaucrats.
Here are some tips to keep the workplace safe and healthy, written in clear language and applicable to most work locations. Check the OSHA standards for your industry and have the safety committee review them and make appropriate further recommendations.
Have Everyone Chip In 
While we may feel that cleaning crews take care of the messes at the workplace, every employee must be an ad hoc member of the safety committee. This means if a worker sees something dangerous, he or she should either remedy the situation or notify a workplace official about the danger.
How to Prevent Slips and Trips
Preventing slips and trips means every employee needs to:
- Remove small throw rugs or use non-skid mats to keep them from slipping
- Arrange furniture to provide open walking pathways
- Remove tripping hazards (paper, boxes, books, clothes etc.) from stairs and walkways
- Remove debris from exterior walkways
- Secure electrical and phone cords out of traffic areas
- Periodically check the condition of walkways and steps, and repair damages immediately
- Avoid standing on chairs, tables or other platforms on wheels — use a ladder instead
- Keep drawers and cabinet doors closed when not in use
Teach employees to use the “three point” system for climbing a ladder. This means that whenever on a ladder, employees have two feet and one hand on the ladder, or two hands and one foot. Employees must know to place the ladder on a solid and firm surface. When climbing a ladder, make sure your safety sessions emphasize the importance of gripping ladder rungs and not side rails. Also, climb up or down one rung at a time.
Workplace safety is vital in keeping workers compensation insurance affordable and in giving your employees the comfort of knowing you care about them.
Is your workplace safe for employees? Call Ed Weeren Insurance Agency, Inc. today to learn more about the workers compensation insurance policies we offer.