Avoid workplace injuries

It’s important to create a culture of safety so you can limit your risk for workplace injuries. Many of the workplace incidents CM Regent’s customers experience do not involve a physical hazard. Instead, they occur because an employee was engaging in unsafe practices. The best way to keep your people safe is to make them aware of the potential for injury.

The following are topics you may want to regularly address with the people in your district.

1. Be aware of your body, how much space it occupies and how much strength daily tasks require. When you are climbing or descending a set of stairs, pay attention to how much you need to lift your foot at each step. When you are lifting heavy objects or twisting and turning your body, know your limits. Don’t be afraid to stop the task you are performing because it doesn’t feel right.
2. Watch your surroundings. When you are walking into the building in the morning, keep an eye on the surface of the parking lot and sidewalk. Are there bumps? When you enter the building, did someone accidentally flip up the corner of a rug? Just because you think you know a certain area like the back of your hand doesn’t mean a hazard couldn’t come up. Be on the lookout for spills and misplaced items.
3. Educate yourself. The more you know about a potential hazard, the easier it will be to avoid it. Not only will you be keeping yourself safe, but you can protect those around you, too. Depending on the type of work you do, you can learn about proper lifting techniques, chemical safety, ladder safety and proper ways to use and store tools.
4. Think ahead. Develop a practice of stopping and thinking before you move. This can be as simple as pausing for a moment before you exit your car and reminding yourself to watch the pavement for any unusual cracks or elevation changes. Consider the risks involved before jumping into any task. For example, if you need to clean the windows, are you using the correct cleaner? Do you have the proper gloves for handling that chemical? Did you turn off the fan so it doesn’t blow the chemicals in your face?

For more information on how to prevent workplace injuries, check out CM Regent’s employee safety resources.