1.

COMMON SAFETY MISTAKES: Let’s start with simple ways to keep

employees safe; first and foremost is proper use of personal protective
equipment (PPE). For example, no employees should wear hard hats
backwards, use heavily scratched face shields, or use improper hearing
protection. These are all simple fixes, but the fact that they have to be
addressed may be a symptom of a much larger problem—a lack of safety
culture.

2. ELECTRICAL SAFETY: To avoid any workers getting hurt via electric

shock, it is very important for the worker to de-energize electrical circuits
before doing any kind of work with electricity. All employees working with
electricity should use an AC voltage tester to verify that the electrical power is
of before they start working. It is also imperative that employees working
with electricity wear proper PPE and use rubber insulating gloves to further
protect themselves.

3. HAZARD COMMUNICATION: Hazard communication is meant to limit

the amount of chemical-related illnesses and injuries that occur in a workplace
by displaying specific information that help workers identify and evaluate the
severity of the chemicals around them. To keep everyone safer, employers
should have all containers labeled and have multiple copies of relevant Safety
Data Sheet (SDS) strategically placed around the work area. Employers should
also have first aid kits and emergency contact information readily available and
easily accessible in case of an emergency. It is also imperative employees have
the right PPE, including gloves and respirators.

4. FIRE SAFETY: In order to prevent accidents, injuries, and potential

death, all workspaces must be equipped with working smoke detectors and fire
extinguishers. You should make sure all fire extinguishers are appropriate for
your workplace and have not past their expiration date. It is important all
workers know:

 Where the fire extinguishers are located

 How to use fire extinguishers

 Emergency evacuation skills

 ERGONOMIC SAFETY: Injuries sustained from ergonomic stress, such as
sprains, can be acute. However, repetitive stress injuries (RSIs), like carpal
tunnel syndrome, can also develop over time. In order to avoid injuries related
to ergonomic stress, all workers should properly stretch to avoid
injuries, especially as the day goes on. Workers should also make attempts to
keep pressure of their shoulders, keep their arms and neck relaxed and keep
wrists unbent and relaxed as well. To further avoid injury, workers can invest
in back braces to support their lumbar along with wrist rests for keyboards.

6. SILICA PROTECTION: Inhaling silica is extraordinarily dangerous for

workers as it can lead to fatal illnesses, like silicosis, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, and has even been linked to lung cancer. Some of the best
ways to prevent silicosis are dust suppression, putting up barriers, and
PPE, such as face masks and respirators. Workers should use
vacuums and water to reduce the amount of the dust that becomes airborne.
Silicosis can also be prevented by not eating, drinking, or smoking near areas
with silica dust.

7. HOUSEKEEPING: Housekeeping may not seem important to safety, but

having a clean, well-organized station greatly reduces needless worker injury.
Workers should keep floors clear, clean, and dry at all times. Make sure
all tripping hazards are removed to ensure further safety. Additionally,
workspaces should have separate, labeled containers for diferent kinds of
waste like trash, oily rags, dry rags, and flammable objects. It is essential
you keep clutter free from:

 Openings

 Emergency exits

 Roof edges

 Excavations

 Trenches

8. HEAT STRESS: Heat stress occurs when the body can no longer cool
itself down with sweat, which can be dangerous as heat stress can lead to heat
stroke or heat exhaustion.
 Heat Exhaustion Symptoms:

 Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting

 Weakness and moist skin

 Confusion

 Nausea, vomiting
Heat Stroke Symptoms:

 Dry, hot skin with no sweating

 Confusion or loss of consciousness

 Seizures/ convulsions

To prevent against heat stress, you should:

 Know the signs of heat related illness
 Block out sun or other heat sources as much as possible
 Use cooling units as much as possible in high heat
 Hydrate yourself every 15 minutes to help cool your body down
 Wear clothes and PPE appropriate to the weather
 Wear sunscreen
9. TRAFFIC SAFETY: In an efort to save lives, workers should wear highly
visible colors along with the proper PPE for their job. Workers should be very
aware of their surroundings and should use traffic control devises like signs,
warning signals, and barriers/ barricades while working. Workers are also
encouraged to stay out of areas where walking is prohibited.

10. WORKPLACE STRESS: Stress in the workplace is an ever-

growing problem. Stress at work can lead to mental breakdowns
and workers cutting corners to meet deadlines, which can have disastrous
efects. To reduce workplace stress workers should:

 Ask for help

 Try relaxation techniques

 Take control of the situation

 Talk to someone
 Exercise regularly

 Take care of yourself