
Federal and state laws mandate a safe work environment for all employees and employers in Texas who don’t provide a safe work environment may face criminal as well as civil penalties. Yet workplace safety is an ongoing issue, and preventable workplace accidents continue to occur.
Workplace accidents cost both employers and employees. When businesses prioritize safety, workers can appreciate the risks inherent in the work being performed and are more likely to take the precautions necessary to avoid accidents. If people pay attention and commit to safe practices, fewer accidents and injuries will occur.
The following 11 workplace safety tips apply generally to all workplace situations where the risk of injury could be present.
According to the Occupational Safety & Health Association (OSHA), most workplace injuries and illnesses are not merely unfortunate incidents that happen unexpectedly.
Most workplace incidents are both predictable and preventable. These tips can be used to help identify safety hazards, prevent workers and others from being unnecessarily injured in the workplace, and mitigate the impact of workplace injuries.
1. Follow All Workplace Safety Policies and Practices Implemented by Your Employer
Employers develop safety policies and practices partly because the law requires it and partly because the workplace presents hazards that might result in injury if the safety measures are not followed. Workers who receive safety training can fully appreciate the risks faced on the job and are more likely to follow the appropriate safety protocols.
2. Wear Appropriate Safety Gear and Make Sure It Fits Properly
When other measures do not provide adequate protection for workers, employers must provide personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure it’s used properly. PPE is anything worn on the body to protect it from some hazardous exposure in the workplace. Employees should be trained on the proper fit of the gear and when it is necessary to use it. PPE should always be clean and well-maintained so it provides the intended protection.
3. Follow Recommended Safety Procedures When Operating Equipment
Many times workers are operating machinery or equipment much bigger and more powerful than the humans involved in the operation. Safety is imperative around machinery that can strike, trap, or crush a worker. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), injuries resulting from contact with objects or equipment are the third leading cause of death for workers and the second leading cause of injury that results in missed days of work or the inability to resume previous job responsibilities.
The stakes are too high to cut corners regarding safety when working around large equipment or heavy objects. Worker safety depends on paying attention to potential risks and making safety the priority.
4. Be Alert for Hazards and Report any Potential Danger
Employers who take negative action against workers for reporting safety concerns will face legal consequences that can include fines and lawsuits for damages. Employers stand to benefit as much as workers when unsafe conditions or circumstances are identified and rectified before anyone gets hurt. Injured workers cost employers both time and money. Encouraging workers to be aware of and report safety issues helps build safety consciousness within the workplace.
5. Avoid Unnecessary Behavior That Might Contribute to the Risk of Injury
There are other common behaviors workers may engage in that could increase the risk of injury depending on the work environment. Simple distractions like phones and food can hijack a worker’s focus, causing them to miss or misinterpret items of critical importance. Horseplay or messing around can lead to accidents with severe consequences, as can the use of drugs or alcohol in the workplace.
6. Take Recommended Breaks and Don’t Ignore Basic Needs
Breaks are designed to give workers a rest from their responsibilities and allow for mental and physical restoration. Breaks can reduce stress and promote clearer thinking and improved productivity. Employees should also be mindful of personal needs such as hydration, nutrition, and physical comfort. Worker well-being leads to improved overall performance and reduces the chances of injuries and accidents.
7. Know What to Do in the Event of an Emergency
While the goal is always to prevent emergency circumstances from occurring, knowing how to respond in an emergency can minimize the impact and mitigate any resulting injuries. Employers should have procedures for emergency responses, and those procedures should be regularly practiced so everyone is clear about what to do and when to do it. Having a plan to go to in an emergency makes all the difference when seconds count.
8. Don’t Be Complacent About Electricity
Electricity powers the tools and equipment at many workplaces. Because of electricity, workers may experience shocks, burns, fires, explosions, and exposure to radiation and other toxic substances.
Electrocution is one of OSHA’s Fatal Four leading causes of death in the construction industry and accounts for almost 10% of annual worker fatalities. Electrocution risks can include exposed wiring in wet conditions, contact with power lines, and badly maintained power tools and cords. Workers need to understand the risks posed by using electricity within their work environment and follow the recommended safety guidance.
9. Keep Work Areas Tidy and Free of Clutter
Besides being messy and distracting, cluttered work areas increase the chances a worker may trip and fall. Clutter can also provide fuel for a spreading fire and could inhibit efficient evacuation. It may prevent workers from recognizing developing hazards and slow down their response time.
10. Safety Training Is Essential
Employees need to be educated about the risks they may face in the workplace and how to avoid or manage those risks. Regularly scheduled training sessions help workers retain safety information and stay up to date with policy changes. Signs and posters near hazardous work areas are helpful reminders for workers to put safety first.
11. The Greater the Potential Risk of Injury, the Greater the Level of Care That Should be Exercised
As a general rule, when greater risk is involved, greater care is required. Transportation incidents were the leading cause of workplace fatalities in 2023, accounting for 37% of the 5,283 work-related deaths. Falls, exposure to toxic substances, and contact incidents are also responsible for a significant number of work-related deaths.
Workers should stay aware and exercise a higher degree of care when working in hazardous conditions to avoid the most serious consequences.
Why Workplace Safety Needs to Be a Priority
Though a safe workplace is required by law, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recorded 2.6 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported by private employers across the United States in 2023. This number means there is still some work to be done to ensure workers remain safe on the job. Work-related deaths, injuries, and illnesses cost the nation billions of dollars each year in insurance payments, medical expenses, and lost productivity.
Prioritizing safety helps employers reduce costs and keeps workers productive. Promoting a safe work environment also helps boost morale by letting workers know their safety and well-being are employer concerns. A safe workplace is a win for everyone, and a strong leadership commitment to safe practices is required to create a work environment where safety comes first.
Who to Call When Safety Fails, and You Are Injured in a Workplace Accident
Workplace safety is the goal, but in this less-than-perfect world, accidents are still going to happen. When work-related injuries occur because of unsafe conditions in the workplace, workers may be able to collect compensation to cover medical expenses and lost wages.
Depending on the circumstances of a workplace injury, there could be several parties liable for an employee’s injuries. A free consultation with a Houston work injury attorney from the law office of Dax F. Garza, P.C. can help identify the liable parties and compose a strategy for making a work injury claim.