Of course, it is always important to obey all job site safety rules, and when appropriate, wear the required safety gear and protective clothing. However, none of those things can help you if your work environment is unnecessarily hazardous. As such, practicing good housekeeping is one of the most important things that can be done to maintain a safe workplace.
Falling objects, fires and even the accumulation of dust can all pose serious threats to workers. Slip and fall accidents can cause catastrophic injuries. Each of these issues has its own set of preventative steps that can be employed at a workplace. Often these steps involve cleaning, mopping or removing clutter and flammable materials.
How can an employer make sure that such measures are taken with regularity? Well, that can take some planning. The first step a company should take is to establish firm rules regarding housecleaning and make sure all employees understand and adhere to these rules.
It’s also a good idea to give each worker specific housekeeping tasks that he or she is responsible for doing. Workers should also understand the importance of reporting an issue, such as a spill or other hazard, as soon as possible so it can be attended to.
With rules in place, employers should stay vigilant by performing regular inspections to make sure that a clean, safe work environment is maintained.
Good workplace safety practices benefit everyone, workers and employees alike. Unfortunately, sometimes employers do not understand this concept until after a worker is injured in a preventable accident.
If you have suffered harm at work, you will likely need to file a workers’ compensation claim so you can be covered for medical expenses and, if necessary, time off from work. An attorney with knowledge of how to file such claims can help you by working toward getting you a fair settlement.