Public Health Professional

Top 7 Workplace Safety Tips by Martin Lloyd Sanders

Top 7 Workplace Safety Tips by Martin Lloyd Sanders

As the former Director for Safety, Environmental Compliance and Emergency Management in Federal Occupational Health (FOH/PSC), Martin Lloyd Sanders is a strong advocate of workplace safety. His reasoning is simple yet sound: employees are the lifeblood of any business; if they’re to remain physically and mentally healthy for work, protecting them from all possible dangers must be among the main priorities of any responsible employer or company owner.

Today, Martin Lloyd Sanders would like to share a checklist of the top 7 tips that should help ensure a safe workplace for employees.

1. Implement safety training

All company personnel must receive extensive workplace safety training. This should involve regular meetings, programs, and drills that discuss safety rules and policies, as well as provide in-depth lessons about disaster preparedness, emergency procedures, and hazard prevention. Martin Lloyd Sanders also suggests recruiting qualified safety training instructors to hammer home the importance of maintaining a danger-free work environment.

2. Establish a safety culture

Employees should be reminded about the benefits of safety. Martin Lloyd Sanders recommends establishing safety protocols as early as possible and rewarding those who adhere to safety policies. In relation to this, employees should be encouraged to take stretch/exercise breaks and openly discuss any troubling issues with their higher-ups and therapists.

3. Collaborate with therapists and clinicians

Speaking of therapists, it would be ideal to have physical/occupational therapists on board, as they can enhance workplace ergonomics for a safer and more comfortable work environment. They can also determine which candidates are physically suited for specific roles. On the other hand, occupational clinicians can examine the worksite and identify areas that could pose a danger to personnel.

4. Clean the work environment

A filthy work environment can lead to the spread of diseases and illnesses. Martin Lloyd Sanders therefore suggests having restrooms, cafeterias, lunchrooms, and the like regularly cleaned to avoid the buildup of organic and chemical waste. Make room for regular inspections, as they can identify potential hazards, from rodent infestations to chemical spills.

5. Create a secure environment

A messy, badly-maintained environment can cause accidents. Arrange boxes and other items properly and store them in the appropriate places. Free stairs and floors of debris, fluids, and objects to prevent slipping and tripping. Subject appliances, installations, and the worksite itself to regular maintenance checks to identify problems such as tangled cords, faulty power sockets, broken light bulbs, frayed carpets, damaged staircase railings, etc.

6. Supply the right tools and equipment

Personnel will benefit from having ready access to a sufficient supply of the tools and equipment necessary for their safety and the fulfillment of their roles. Ensure these items are kept in good condition through routine inspections, cleaning, and maintenance. Any damaged or broken items should be repaired or replaced, says Martin Lloyd Sanders.

7. Provide access to safety equipment and measures

Employees should have quick and easy access to materials and measures designed to minimize harm. The workplace should therefore have ample supplies of first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, and such. Have the worksite installed with fire alarms, fire sprinklers, and fire escape ladders and/or stairs. Signs and labels will also communicate relevant safety information and therefore minimize risks and save lives.

Disclaimer: This article was prepared by Martin L. Sanders in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of the USPHS, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the United States government.

 



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