2021 Workplace Safety Tips

Your main job as an employer is to provide a safe working environment for all your employees, including and workers with disabilities. But at the same time, do not forget about other needs of people.

Certain industries, such as mining or hazardous substances, are covered by separate health and safety regulations. Still, most of the advice below applies to most different companies and covers basic safety and health requirements.

High-quality ventilation system

The workplace must be well ventilated; the ventilation system must operate without interruption and provide an inflow of fresh, clean air.

Maintaining temperature conditions

It is necessary to maintain a moderate temperature in the working room, at least 16 ° C in strenuous work conditions (unless the law provides for a lower temperature).

If the comfortable temperature cannot be maintained naturally, install heating or cooling systems that do not emit hazardous vapors.

If necessary, provide workers with thermal clothing and places for rest.

Lighting

Whenever possible, position your work areas so that they are illuminated by natural daylight.

You must provide quality artificial lighting suitable for working conditions. Some fluorescent lamps tend to flicker and are dangerous to install near rotating machinery.

Cleanliness and waste

• Ensure the cleanliness of rooms, furniture, and equipment.
• Keep floors and stairs clean and make sure they are not slippery.
• Install special containers for waste.
• Clean interior walls and ceilings.

Working space

• The work area should be spacious; do not allow cramped conditions.
• Seating should be comfortable; the workplace must be organized so that the employee can quickly and easily leave it in the event of an emergency.
• The work surface must be at a comfortable height.
• The control levers on the equipment should be easily accessible.

Operation of workplaces and equipment

• Perform periodic maintenance and, if necessary, major repairs.
• Insert safety glasses and mark them so that they can be seen from a distance.
• Install a quality drainage system, if required by the work process.
• In frosty weather, keep the area around the building clean and safe; sprinkle with sand or salt.
• Be sure to place your equipment and furniture safely.

Movement routes

• Keep floors, corridors, and stairs clear, do not force them; hide electrical cables.
• Surfaces must not be slippery. Place good quality anti-fatigue mats whenever needed.
• Provide safe paths for pedestrians and vehicle exits.
• Surfaces must be level with no holes or broken surfaces.
• Ramps and stairs must be equipped with handrails.
• Doors must be secure to pass; for example, revolving doors must be glass, and power doors must have touch-sensitive edges.

Falling

• In places where there is a high risk of falling, installing handrails, and barriers is necessary. Places such as pits for vehicle inspection should be fenced and covered when not in use.
• Transparent doors, gates, walls, and windows must be made of safe materials and shockproof. They should also have warning signs fixed to them so that a person can see them.
• Windows should be designed so that they can be opened and washed safely. They must be designed in such a way as to prevent falling out of them and must be visible when open so that a person does not bump into them.
• Escalators and moving walkways must function safely and be equipped with the necessary devices, such as stop buttons, easily recognizable and accessible.

Toilets

You must provide:

• Clean, well-ventilated toilets (preferably separate for men and women).
• Soap and towels (or hand dryer).
• Special hygiene products, if necessary, for example, if the work process involves the preparation of food.

Changing rooms and storage spaces

Install lockers and large wardrobes, and if work clothes are required, equip changing rooms. Install a dryer for clothes indoors.

Places to rest and eat

Equip employee recreation areas, including special places for eating. For pregnant women and nursing mothers, it is necessary to create comfortable and suitable conditions. Install the hood in resting areas so that non-smokers are comfortable in them if someone smokes nearby.

Install a drinking water cooler and glasses or a drinking water fountain.

Conclusion

All the tips above cover general principles for maintaining a safe workplace and are suitable for any organization. However, each company must also adhere to the required minimum security standards specifically established by law for a company’s specifics.