By: Samantha Barron
According to a blog from Weekly Safety, National Safety Month focuses on reducing leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road and in our homes and communities. Topics to be covered this year include musculoskeletal disorders, workplace impairment, injury prevention and slips, trips, and falls. All organizations are encouraged to participate in National Safety Month, regardless of industry. As a workplace and community leader, how can you make the efforts to ensure a safe and secure surrounding?
When working in an office setting, it is important to maintain good posture in every way possible. This can assist in avoiding injuries and disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, and more. Scientifically put, efficient work environments and performances can take part in avoiding musculoskeletal disorders. According to the Center for Disease Control, its Institute for Occupational Safety and Health released a review of evidence in 1997 for work-related disorders of these types. Examples that can lead to these issues include routine overhead work, work with the neck in chronic flexion position, or performing repetitive forceful tasks. Upholding an erect back, using a mouse pad with a cushion, and taking occasional screentime breaks are just a few ways to get on track to avoiding musculoskeletal disorders influenced by an office workplace.
When it comes to maintaining a safe work environment, injury prevention is a key factor. According to concentra.com, there are ten helpful tips to avoid an injury in the workplace. First and foremost, incorporate a safety and wellness plan. By formatting an effective accident prevention and wellness program, employee safety and healthy encouragements can influence healthy practices and behavior. Secondly, employers should provide safety equipment for their office, as deemed necessary. Certain workers should not only be provided with goggles, face protection, gloves, and hard hats; they should also be given proper training on how to use the equipment. Finally, do not take shortcuts. Accidents happen when employees skip a step or two to complete a job ahead of schedule. Ensure that all instructions are clear and organized to prevent undue mishaps in the workplace. By following these steps and more, one can ensure a secure work environment.
Working in an updated office space is crucial to avoid slips, trips, and falls on the job. According to travelers.com, these incidents count for fifteen percent of all accidents in the United States work environments. It is important to understand where the greatest potential for danger lies on your premises. Hazards associated with slips, trips, and falls include broken surfaces, slippery floors, poorly marked walkway transitions, and wet surfaces due to poor drainage. Routine inspection of your workplace should be a regular part of your safety program to prevent these accidents for workers and visitors, alike. How can you help avoid slips, trips, and falls? Design your entrances to accommodate the expected volume of foot traffic going in and out of your business. Use wet floor signs to warn others of known hazards. Have spill cleanup supplies readily available for immediate use, when necessary. Finally, ensure efficient lighting in all walkways of your establishment. In the event of an accident, ensure that the incident is documented and reported immediately. Document all details of the incident, collect names of everyone involved, and take photographs of the accident site. By following these simple steps, one can avoid a hazardous and potentially dangerous work environment for their colleagues and employees.
National Safety Month is an important way to focus on a happy and healthy work environment. These circumstances should be noted not only in the office, but in all living situations. To ensure safety for all, try adding regular safety meetings to your company’s safety and health program. Hold regular meetings with your team to ensure quality communication and excelling of safety standards. You can visit the National Safety Month website at nsc.org for more information on this crucial topic.