At Rotochopper implementing and supporting a safety culture is important to us. June is National Safety Month and we are kicking it off by implementing a weekly toolbox talk that will be shared with our employees to help increase awareness of how to build this culture. Here’s a peak into what we have planned for this month. Hopefully you are able to take some of these tips and bring them back to implement in your own workplace. At the end of the day, our goal for you is to return home in the same condition that you arrived in.
Zero Injuries in the Workplace
Believing in a zero-injury workplace is key to it being successfully implemented. Most injuries are caused by actions that are unsafe and preventable. Individual workers have control over doing their part to prevent workplace accidents and ensuring no injuries, along with workplace hazard training. Processes to encourage success include identifying and analyzing risks, providing training that is relevant to the employees’ job duties and responsibilities, and having buy in from the leadership team down. Create a zero-injury mindset by focusing on one task at a time and not the amount of time and effort that it will take to avoid injuries over a long period of time.
First Aid Preparedness
Having a plan in place in case of an emergency will help you and your employees prepare for the unfortunate reality that they will likely be responsible for assisting during an injury or emergency situation. It’s important to have a discussion with your employees prior to injuries happening and be sure that everyone understands what is expected of them if they or a coworker is injured.
You can prepare for instances when an injury occurs by being aware of the hazards that are in your work area and the injuries that can occur completing your work, paying attention to what is said during safety meetings, and evaluating your tasks and determining what could go wrong and what your response would be to different injury scenarios. Hopefully you never have to help respond to an emergency or give assistance to an injured coworker but understanding ahead of time what the plan is for different injuries can make the difference in saving a coworker’s life.
Safety Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is meant to minimize your chance of getting injured on the job. Different jobs will require different levels of PPE so it is important to check with your supervisor to determine the correct PPE for the task at hand. Prior to starting the task, check your PPE for any deficiencies that may have resulted over time. Even the best quality PPE will not protect you if it is worn out or not functioning properly. There is never a good excuse for not wearing PPE, and failure to comply with PPE requirements puts you at a greater risk for injury.
Avoiding Distractions
Distractions in the workplace can keep you from focusing on the task at hand. Some distractions are unavoidable while others if not properly regulated can lead to injuries, lost productivity and a decrease in worker morale. Avoid interrupting someone during a critical job or process if possible, and always shut down or disengage any work tool, equipment, or processes to help prevent errors or accidents. Workplace distractions and interruptions are common, but training can help you remember to keep your mind on what you’re currently working on. If you see repeated or unsafe distractions – speak up and take responsibility for not interrupting or distracting others.
In the end, we are all responsible for doing our part to make our workplace safe. It is not the responsibility of any one person, and if you see something – say something. Every worker deserves to make it home safe.
Information on these topics is free has been provided by the National Safety Council, Safety Talk Ideas, Select Safety Communications, and the State Compensation Insurance Fund. There is additional information on other topics that you can view and use to talk to your employees about on their websites.