A bad day at work is can several different things depending on the industry you work in or the kind of you perform. For those who work in construction, manufacturing, or with hazardous waste, a bad day at work can actually can even be a matter of life and death in some cases!
If you work in a field or industry that can be considered dangerous, it’s important to know and understand your rights to a safe workplace. A safe workplace should never be considered a privilege when in fact is your right as an employee. It is the responsibility of the employer to provide a safe workplace and environment for their employees, and failure to do so can lead to serious consequences.
While it is the employer’s responsibility to provide a safe workplace, there a many things within an employee’s control that can support a safe and productive work environment. Here are a few things employees can and should do in order to make their work environment safer.
Continuing education
The proper training and education can make all the difference when it comes to maintaining a safe work environment. Knowledge is power, and the more employees know, the safer they can carry out their responsibilities. This is especially true in work environments that require the use of industrial chemical protective equipment, protective apparel such as chemical suits, eye and face protection, and more. If employees feel as though they’re lacking in training, they can their employers about what opportunities are available for continuing education or specialized training. Many employers offer safety and health programs for their employees in order to support them in safely performing their job.
Say something if you see something
It’s important to report incidents or practices that are not conducive to a safe workplace. This can include witnessing harassment or the improper use of safety equipment. Breaking even the most minor of rules can have major consequences, and standard operating procedures should always be practiced. No one likes the feeling of being a “tattle tail”, but reporting behavior that puts yourself or others at risk is always the right thing to do.
Never cut corners
After doing the same hazardous job over and over again, it can be easy to forget exactly how dangerous it is. But even if you are a veteran on the job, don’t make the rookie mistake of thinking you’ve earned the right to cut corners for the sake of saving time! Doing so can actually cost you in the end, and not just your job or pride! Regardless of how experienced you are, it’s always important to make safety a priority by following protocol or standard operating procedures to a tee. It’s also important to look for new ways in which to make your job safer. As technology continues to develop and improve over time, standard operating procedures may require an update in order to be made safer.
